thefictionvixens Chapter 18 Even a clay figure retains three parts of its fiery spirit
Chapter 18 Even a clay figure retains three parts of its fiery spirit
Feeling the slight improvement in his swordsmanship, Shi Zhongyu clasped his hands in thanks to his master, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Master!"
Feng Wanli sheathed his sword, his tone remaining calm and composed.
"That's right, you do have talent."
He paused, his gaze falling on Shi Zhongyu.
"Let's continue!"
"I will feed you with my sword. You just need to attack, and I will only guide and not block, so that you can experience the principle that the sword is the body and the body is the snow."
Upon hearing this, Shi Zhongyu's spirits lifted, and he once again drew his sword and leaped forward, unleashing a series of attacks: Falling Snow, Seeking Plum Blossoms, and Sweeping Frost.
Feng Wanli moved swiftly, his sword following his movements, each strike landing precisely at the turning point of his sword strike.
Feng Wanli guided, led, supported, and facilitated Shi Zhongyu's swordsmanship, making his movements increasingly fluid and his body lighter, as if he had truly melted into the swirling snow.
Boom!
As a bell rang, Feng Wanli nodded slightly to the panting Shi Zhongyu.
That's all for today!
"Neither lightness skill nor swordsmanship can be perfected in a short time."
Shi Zhongyu sheathed his sword and stood there, saying "Yes."
His face remained calm, but he was inwardly overjoyed.
This afternoon, under his master's guidance, his proficiency in swordsmanship and lightness skills improved, far exceeding the speed he used when practicing on his own.
Name: Shi Zhongyu
Realm: Beginner (Mortal)
武学：基础剑法入门（32/100）、雪山剑法熟练（55/300）、雪山派心法入门（54/100）、雪山磐石桩入门（45/100）、踏雪无痕入门（85/100）。
Let's go!
Feng Wanli led Shi Zhongyu toward the dining hall.
On the way, Shi Zhongyu thought about the martial arts arena today, where some disciples were practicing swordsmanship without even mastering the first three moves.
It is actually the seventy-two forms of the Snow Mountain Sword Technique.
They pair up and take turns attacking and defending.
"Master, are the three basic techniques insufficient for combat?"
He was quite envious.
"You little rascal, don't be greedy!"
Feng Wanli understood the meaning behind Shi Zhongyu's words perfectly.
He chuckled and said, "Do you know why the Snow Mountain Sect only teaches the first three basic techniques upon entering the sect?"
"This disciple does not know!"
"That's because the first three basic techniques train the foundation of cold energy. If you practice advanced sword techniques before you've mastered them, your internal energy will be impure and you'll be easily attacked by the cold energy."
"When practicing basic sword techniques, combine them with light footwork to build a solid foundation."
Feng Wanli's words made Shi Zhongyu seem thoughtful.
Only after mastering the basics can one learn the seventy-two forms.
After learning all this, Shi Zhongyu stopped asking questions.
"You've only been learning for three days, don't overthink it."
Shi Zhongyu hummed in agreement and said in a low voice, "What this disciple is worried about is the competition."
Feng Wanli paused slightly, understanding Shi Zhongyu's meaning.
He turned to look at Shi Zhongyu.
"Even in a competition, no disciple who has practiced all seventy-two sword techniques will be able to instruct you!"
"At your current level of swordsmanship, in ten and a half days, you might not be much weaker than those disciples who have been practicing swordsmanship for half a year!"
"Alright, stop overthinking it."
Feng Wanli was surprised that Shi Zhongyu was so meticulous at such a young age.
They actually thought of having a competition.
Isn't this disciple a martial arts fanatic?
Why do I suddenly feel pressured?
Feng Wanli muttered to himself, and suddenly thought of his junior sister, Hua Wanzi.
"Did your Uncle Hua see you at noon?"
Upon hearing his master's sudden question, Shi Zhongyu opened his mouth, then finally nodded.
He thought his master would ask something else, but to his surprise, his master simply nodded.
"Okay, I understand!"
Shi Zhongyu was puzzled. What did his master know?
The master and apprentice arrived at the dining hall.
Hua Wanzi, at some point, also brought her food and sat down.
When Feng Wanli saw his junior sister coming over, he wanted to say something, but seeing Shi Zhongyu there, he ultimately didn't say anything.
Hua Wanzi felt inexplicably guilty.
"Senior brother, are you and Shi Zhongyu going to the side hall again today?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Wanli chuckled and said, "Go, why wouldn't I go?"
Cheng Zixue was angry, so how could he not be angry?
His behavior of studying on his own shows a complete lack of the demeanor of an elder.
How can an elder hold such a grudge against a junior?
As Feng Wanli spoke, his gaze fell upon Shi Zhongyu.
"Tonight, after you finish listening to the sword theory, if you want to practice your skills, then you should obediently practice in the side hall."
Shi Zhongyu was taken aback.
"Master, don't I need to go out to practice?"
Feng Wanli said calmly, "There is no rule in the sect that prohibits disciples from practicing in the side hall."
Shi Zhongyu was surprised; how could his usually composed master say such a thing?
Hua Wanzi, standing to the side, also wore a surprised expression.
Shi Zhongyu bows deeply.
"This disciple understands!"
It seems even clay figures have a temper.
Shi Zhongyu thought to himself that he had a better appetite now.
After dinner, Feng Wanli and Hua Wanzi left first.
As the two left the dining hall, Feng Wanli couldn't help but say, "Junior Sister, Shi Zhongyu is so young and has a simple personality; she only likes practicing martial arts."
Why put unnecessary pressure on him?
Hua Wanzi shrank back.
"Senior brother, did that brat Shi Zhongyu tell you?"
Feng Wanli couldn't help but laugh.
"He didn't say anything, but his behavior was a bit unusual."
"abnormal?"
"A martial arts fanatic who only knows how to practice all day is suddenly interested in our Snow Mountain Sect's competition!"
Hua Wanzi immediately fell silent.
At the beginning of the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), Shi Zhongyu entered the side hall.
Although Shi Zhongyu has only been a member of the Snow Mountain Sect for a few days, most of the disciples around him already know him.
After seeing Shi Zhongyu, they kept their distance.
However, some disciples greeted Shi Zhongyu with kind smiles.
These people were all disciples trained by the "Wan" generation.
After entering the side hall, Shi Zhongyu focused his mind and sat obediently on the animal-shaped cushion.
Behind the long table, Elder Cheng's face turned ashen.
He glanced at Feng Wanli, who was sitting at the head of the left seat, and then at Shi Zhongyu, who was sitting at the very back of the side hall.
In the end, he still didn't say anything about kicking the two of them out.
With a stern face, Elder Chang began his explanation of the sword principles for the day.
"Having received guidance, Snow Mountain School swordsmanship proficiency +5."
"Received guidance, Snow Mountain School swordsmanship proficiency +5"
"I received guidance..."
Shi Zhongyu, sitting below, felt very pleased as he watched Elder Chang explain the principles of swordsmanship with a serious expression.
Even if Elder Chang is angry, he still has to provide sword skill proficiency.
Shi Zhongyu composed himself and listened attentively.
His swordsmanship reached the proficiency level, and this time, after listening to the elder's teachings on swordsmanship, he gained 25 proficiency points in one go.
Proficient in Snow Mountain Swordsmanship (80/300).
Later, the sword techniques explained by Elder Cheng became even more profound.
Shi Zhongyu was very decisive and immediately began practicing the mental cultivation method.
He had just begun practicing the mental cultivation technique when his fellow disciples noticed.
"Is this kid here again?"
"No, is he mentally unstable?"
The irritable mutterings of Shi Zhongyu's disciples disturbed the peace of the entire side hall.
The elders noticed it immediately.
He suddenly stood up and stared coldly at Feng Wanli.
"Feng Wanli, what do you mean by this?"
Feng Wanli stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Please forgive me, Elder. My disciple is simple-minded and innocent, and has no intention of disrespecting you."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Zixue was so angry that he laughed instead.
"Simplicity? A childlike heart?"
"Could it be that my old eyes are failing me, and I'm getting confused?"