Chapter 009: Seven Star Sword Formation

When the primordial energy of heaven and earth still exists, cultivators, in addition to seeking truth and comprehending the great way through their cultivation, must also practice the methods and techniques of the way, in order to protect themselves, safeguard the great way, and uphold righteousness.

Until the end of the competition, Mu Wanxuan, who had not been touched by Wang Sheng even at the corner of her clothing, squatted beside Wang Sheng and reached out to gently stroke the short hair on her junior brother's head

Focusing intently, resting quietly, and deeply understanding the essence of the sword techniques, pondering the words spoken by his master, Wang Sheng gradually became immersed in it, finding it increasingly difficult to extricate himself

The moment of direct physical contact with the senior sister at the very beginning, her small hand felt soft and powerless, leading Wang Sheng to mistakenly believe that the senior sister was intentionally doing this to him

Such a lovely senior sister is certainly meant to be protected

A few wooden sticks swayed back and forth, and Wang Sheng, having at least over ten years of self-taught experience in cultivating the Dao, was not slow to learn; by the end of the afternoon, he had already memorized nearly half of this sword formation.

Mu Wanquan pressed her lips together, a hint of concern showing in her eyes, and quickly shook her head

With a light shout, Qing Yanzi's figure flashed past Wang Sheng, leaving behind a slight afterimage in the air, not just one, but a total of seven!

Holding a long staff, one can summon countless fierce winds

Wang Sheng could only start from the beginning, gradually increasing the meditation time from half an hour.

In this manner, without a single real sword, a master and his two disciples were practicing a profound and intricate solo sword formation using three wooden sticks in a small dilapidated courtyard behind Wudang Mountain

Wang Sheng lowered his head and sighed, "In the future, if I am bullied, you must help me get my revenge."

The first texts to be read are naturally the scriptures of their school's transmission of the Dao, followed by the Dao De Jing and several commentaries.

The command of the master must not be disobeyed, yet Wang Sheng still decided to exert all his efforts and respond with full concentration

Wang Sheng quickly cast aside the distracting thoughts in his mind and focused entirely on his master's movements, striving to imitate them diligently

Alright, come here, today I shall teach you a set of Daoist martial arts that can rival the Two Instruments and Eight Trigrams of your senior sister," Qing Yanzi said gently, and Wang Sheng seemed to have springs attached to his feet, instantly rushing towards the ditch

During meditation, as long as one slightly comprehends the teachings of the school, one will unconsciously immerse oneself in it

Oh! Mu Wanxuan gently nodded in agreement, then walked aside with her hands behind her back, turned around, and stared at Wang Sheng, her small face filled with seriousness

She had only taken three steps when Wang Sheng recognized that this seemed to be a type of step that resonated with the principles of Bagua, far more profound than the Bagua walking he had just learned.

But in the next moment, an incomprehensible and overwhelming force surged towards Wang Sheng, propelling him directly outwards.

His ability to master several sets of martial arts techniques so quickly even surprised his master, Qing Yanzi

In the previous life, I often felt troubled by the lack of systematic cultivation methods and powerful spells. In this life, everything is laid out before me.

The core inheritance of the Pure Yang Dao Sutra from the master was quickly transcribed, and Wang Sheng copied it into a notebook he had purchased at the foot of the mountain. Every night, he would hold it while falling asleep, carefully savoring the phrases within.

With control over his breath and the mobilization of his muscular strength, Wang Sheng stepped forward using the Bagua walking technique he had just mastered over the past two days. His body swayed a few times before he arrived in front of Mu Wanxuan, pushing a palm towards her shoulder.

Qing Yanzi turned around, facing away from Wang Sheng, and said, "Come, let us start with the most fundamental techniques. Pay close attention to my movements; from the very beginning, there should be a sense of effortless ease in the way I lift..."

This sword is named the Seven Star Sword, and this technique is called the Seven Star Sword Formation

To this day, only the renowned Daoist mountains and ancient clans with a heritage spanning over a thousand years remain, along with a relatively complete transmission of Daoist practices preserved

Stepping on the Seven Stars, the Seven Stars revolve endlessly

If one does not strive, one truly owes an apology to the suffering endured from the shattering of one's soul

Whenever he gained something, he would go to discuss it with his master; Qing Yanzi would then share many of his own insights with Wang Sheng, expressing considerable satisfaction with Wang Sheng's diligence and progress

Mu Wanxuan blinked her eyes, merely performing a simple action—raising her left hand

Wang Sheng continued to clap his hands as he moved forward, and in a flash, the figure of his senior sister seemed to flutter like a flower attracting butterflies, already disappearing from the edge of his vision

Wang Sheng's rapid progress in martial arts is not without reason. Firstly, he has over ten years of experience in self-directed practice. Secondly, he has the guidance of Qing Yanzi, who regularly assists him in adjusting his bones and activating his meridians. Thirdly, the serene environment of the mountains allows him to focus wholeheartedly on his training.

Alright, practice with all your might

Instinctively wanting to turn around, but as his body had just turned halfway, a small hand had already pressed on his back shoulder, gently patting him.

This ... ...

Senior sister, I am somewhat too weak

In the present day, the essence of vitality has persisted for a millennium, and there are still numerous Taoist arts that are frequently mentioned, such as the transformation of beans into soldiers, the transportation of five ghosts, riding clouds and driving mist, and moving mountains and filling seas, among countless others

Xiuwu

Although the 'Silent Fairy' is one of the top ten renowned existences on the future celestial rankings... looking at the appearance of my senior sister's small arms and legs at this moment, I truly feel somewhat hesitant to take action

Mu Wanxuan gently pulled his wrist to the side, slightly shifting her body. Wang Sheng's center of gravity became inexplicably unbalanced, causing him to uncontrollably lurch forward, while a small hand pressed against his chest...

After one month of training, Wang Sheng had already memorized the scriptures passed down by his master and had fully mastered the basic sets of fist and palm techniques.

Your junior disciple has been on the mountain for more than two months. Starting today, I will impart some teachings to him. Xiao Xuan, you should first assess his capabilities for me

Wang Sheng immediately turned around, exerting so much force that he almost strained his waist, yet at the same spot on his shoulder, he was tapped by someone again

In a past life, one often heard the saying "To hear the Dao in the morning is enough to die in the evening." Under the continuous guidance and instruction of Qing Yanzi, Wang Sheng has also come to understand the meaning of this phrase

A loud explosion echoed, and small visible vortices swirled around in the surroundings

As the seventh sword of Qing Yanzi was pointed out, the seven sword shadows surged forward simultaneously, with seven shallow wooden roots overlapping at the same point

Approximately a thousand years ago, when the world still allowed for the practice of the Dao, this sword technique was a highly esteemed art, used to slay demons and protect the righteous. Now, observe closely as I demonstrate it once.

With the cultivation method in place, a master to guide him, and an ideal environment for practicing the Dao, what reason does he have not to strive diligently

In simple terms, the Taoist practice of the Golden Elixir is the cultivation of the *Diagram* and the Book of Dao, and the Golden Elixir, in relation to oneself, represents the level of cultivation.

Is there now the primordial energy of heaven and earth

Mu Wanxuan responded softly, yet she remained very serious while learning

The seven residual shadows each form a sword stance, with each of the seven swords being distinct, arranged in perfect accordance with the sequence of the Big Dipper

After having dinner, the senior's task is to watch television and then go to sleep, while Wang Sheng will read under a small desk lamp

Qing Yanzi smiled with narrowed eyes beside him, fortunately Gu Nian, as the master, did not laugh out loud.

No matter how profound the martial arts or techniques may be, they all begin with the fundamental recitation of formulas and the learning of techniques, gradually leading to a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the subject

Until Qing Yanzi sheathed his sword, Wang Sheng felt completely dazed. He wanted to memorize the entire set of sword techniques, but instead, he could only recall the stunning seven afterimages.

Mu Wanxuan obediently responded and stood a few meters away, waiting for Wang Sheng to rise. She then took up her stance again, this time taking the initiative to step forward

Oh!

At this age, to possess such proficiency in Tai Chi push hands, and even to have the ability to control internal energy with such ease...

But by evening, Wang Sheng could only continue to isolate himself in his own world, watching his senior sister beside him, who was already able to perform an entire set of sword formations seamlessly.

The ability to ride the clouds and mist, to move clouds and bring rain, to transform beans into soldiers, and to draw talismans and refine elixirs, these are all considered Daoist arts

Although Wang Sheng is aware that both his master and senior sister are currently at the level of 'quasi-boss', he finds it somewhat difficult to accept the significant gap between himself and his peers, particularly his senior sister

Wang Sheng seemed somewhat hesitant to speak

According to the plan set forth by Qing Yanzi, in addition to thoroughly studying a hundred Daoist classics, Wang Sheng is also required to read some literary masterpieces, thereby enhancing his cultivation and demeanor

After officially embarking on his journey, Wang Sheng finally began to live the beautiful life of cultivation he had always dreamed of

The master's voice came from the side, and Wang Sheng smiled awkwardly, while the senior sister beside him nodded thoughtfully

To be precise, it is the method of cultivating and safeguarding the path

Certainly, this is also closely related to Wang Sheng's diligence

After practicing a few sword techniques, Qing Yanzi suddenly said: "Xiao Xuan, just take this as a reference; there is no need to delve too deeply. You have yet to fully grasp the principles of the Two Instruments and Eight Trigrams. Remember the saying that one cannot chew too much at once."

After meditation, I would clean both the interior and exterior of the house together with my senior sister, wash the clothes, and do some miscellaneous chores, until noon when we would have lunch and take a short nap, after which it would be the most anticipated part for Wang Sheng

Her hand movement was very slow, and Wang Sheng could see it clearly. However, strangely, as soon as the senior sister made her move, Wang Sheng felt as if his own hand, which he had extended, was out of his control, and it automatically placed his wrist into the palm of the senior sister.

Outside the Daoist tradition, there are countless schools and sects of practice related to the 'law', including but not limited to sorcery, shamanism, and incantation.

Having spoken, Qing Yanzi rose and danced, moving gracefully in the courtyard, amidst the fluttering of his robe, it seemed as if flashes of sword light and shadows were flickering by.

Have you seen clearly

The inheritance of the Daoist tradition is exceedingly complex, and the Daoist arts once flourished magnificently, encompassing Daoist techniques, Qimen Dunjia, the Eight Trigrams and Two Instruments, grand formations of the Daoist school, talismans, alchemy, and artifact refinement

Wang Sheng also harbored a competitive spirit within him; he could allow himself to be inferior to his senior sister at this moment, but he did not wish to remain inferior to her in the future

With his legs spread apart and his center of gravity lowered, Wang Sheng assumed a stance and cupped his hands in salute to his senior sister, saying, "Senior sister, please bestow your guidance."

The long-awaited sweet dew after a prolonged drought is likely just like this.

However, now that I have this condition, I will strive forward with determination and relentless pursuit, there will always be...

The desires that have been yearned for over a decade and pursued through thousands of days and nights, which have become deep-seated obsessions within oneself, are now all in one's own hands

Um! Mu Wanxuan nodded seriously and patted her still flat chest a few times with force

On this afternoon, the mountain air was refreshing, and Qing Yanzi called Mu Wanxuan and Wang Sheng to the courtyard

A few minutes later, Wang Sheng squatted on the ground, sighing, radiating an aura of isolation.

This formation transforms the body technique, allowing for agile steps and movements. If perfected, one becomes invisible to others, with the sword residing in the heart. The Northern Dipper descends upon the world, vanquishing all demons and monsters! Behold, the sword's momentum leaves an impression!

The doubts and difficulties in my cultivation that I had been pondering over were continuously resolved and became increasingly clear in the face of the techniques passed down within the sect and under the guidance of Qingyanzi

The day I brushed against my senior's clothing

Qing Yanzi reversed the branch in his hand, with his left hand forming a sword finger, and the aura surrounding him underwent a complete transformation

How is this possible

Not to mention catching a glimpse of the senior sister's hem, even her shadow is nowhere to be seen; all I can barely hear is the faint sound of the gentle breeze stirring behind me.

Qing Yanzi walked to the corner of the courtyard, brought back three pre-bent branches, handed one branch to Wang Sheng, threw one to Mu Wanxuan, and held one himself, standing with his hands behind his back

Wang Sheng felt a sense of frustration deep down, but he quickly rallied his spirits, jumped up from the ground, and awkwardly scratched his head

Wang Sheng stared at Qing Yanzi's sword dance from behind as if he were looking at a monster, and his admiration deep within had begun to evolve towards an exclamation of 'Wow'.

Hmm

Hmm," Mu Wanxuan's small face was filled with seriousness, and the initial posture of Tai Chi seemed soft and lacking in strength in her hands

When a practitioner of the Way loses their vital energy and needs to protect themselves, they will enhance the close-combat techniques within their Daoist arts. This is the origin of 'Daoist Martial Arts'.

Senior sister

Qing Yanzi said calmly from the side: "Do not bully your junior brother like this. He has just entered the sect, and Xiao Xuan, you should use some basic martial techniques."

In the early morning, upon rising, one should first stretch and invigorate the muscles and bones, practicing a set of martial arts techniques or palm forms taught by the master. Afterwards, one sits together with the master and senior disciple in front of the courtyard, facing the lush green mountains and forests, and meditates with closed eyes

Do not be anxious; if you can achieve minor progress in this sword technique within three years, it would already be considered exceptional talent

What is even more peculiar is that the force, which should have caused him some minor injuries, dispersed throughout his body as he was thrown backward, resulting in him merely landing on his backside without experiencing much pain

Later, for reasons unknown, the vital energy of the Earth gradually diminished. Even the most skilled craftsman finds it difficult to cook without rice, and thus the art of Taoism became mere decoration. Only talismans and some minor esoteric practices still retained some effectiveness

How exactly did the master execute this move, that sword shadow, that profound realm of the Seven Swords Uniting...

During his first meditation, Wang Sheng sat for more than two hours, which surprised Qing Yanzi somewhat; afterwards, Qing Yanzi advised Wang Sheng not to push himself too hard, emphasizing that the purpose of meditation and cultivation is to experience nature, rather than to show off or compete.