C10 Go to the Celestial Eagle Cult!

After completing the Apprenticing Ceremony, Zhang Sanfeng officially became the second disciple of Lin Yuanjian.

The System announced, "Ding! Disciple acquisition successful. Essence Stone +15,000. The fortune of the 'Heavenly Sword Star' has been bestowed upon you. Congratulations, host, for unlocking your second Spirit Aperture and gaining insight into the 'Sword Path'. Your cultivation has ascended yet another level."

In that moment, Lin Yuanjian felt a profound sharpness infuse his consciousness.

At this juncture, there was no doubt that Lin Yuanjian's mastery of the sword had reached its zenith.

His cultivation had effortlessly progressed from the peak of Foundation Establishment to the initial phase of Core Formation, with a soybean-sized inner core materializing deep within his dantian.

The entire enhancement process unfolded serenely, devoid of any turbulence.

"Becoming stronger is just this straightforward," Lin Yuanjian thought, reveling in a deep sense of satisfaction.

Post-ceremony, Zhang Sanfeng had a delayed realization, musing, "Am I now of the same generation as Wuji? This turns everything on its head..."

Lin Yuanjian had already taken this into account. "Sanfeng, even though you've taken me as your master, I prefer to maintain a low profile, and you're a renowned figure in the martial world. Therefore, let's continue to address each other as 'Daoist friends' in public to avoid complications."

"Your guidance is well noted, Master," Zhang Sanfeng replied, mopping the sweat from his palms, pleased with the arrangement.

"As for the route your Spiritual Qi should take, try flowing through the Yang Meridian before the Yin Meridian, then into the Chong Meridian. The Spiritual Qi will be buffered multiple times, becoming more refined. After that, split it into two streams to enter the Belt Meridian." Lin Yuanjian offered his tailored advice, a route he had devised specifically for Zhang Sanfeng's unique circumstances.

Zhang Sanfeng immediately put the new spiritual energy control method and circulation route to the test and discovered that his cultivation efficiency had nearly tripled!

Previously, the flow of spiritual energy would slow after passing through the Belt Meridian, taking half an hour to complete a cycle.

Now, the energy flowed swiftly, and completing a cycle took merely a third of the time it used to!

Zhang Sanfeng was ecstatic; he had chosen his master wisely. A few simple tips had resolved an issue that had plagued him for seven years.

Lin Yuanjian remarked, "Such a minor adjustment can only slightly extend your current limits. As you progress, you'll quickly hit another impasse."

"So, I'm still bound by these constraints?" Zhang Sanfeng asked, somewhat disheartened.

"Don't worry, with me as your teacher, you'll overcome them. You're practicing the Pure Yang Limitless Technique, correct?" Lin Yuanjian asked with confidence.

Zhang Sanfeng, taken aback, confirmed, "Indeed." How did Lin Yuanjian know?

"Recite it for me, from start to finish," Lin Yuanjian instructed.

With unwavering trust in Lin Yuanjian, Zhang Sanfeng promptly recited the entire Pure Yang Limitless Technique, from its cultivation mantra to its detailed practices.

Lin Yuanjian committed every word to memory and, after a quick review, requested of the system, "Upgrade the Pure Yang Limitless Technique to the perfect version."

"Upgrading the Pure Yang Limitless Technique to the perfect version will cost 500 Essence Stones. Do you wish to proceed with the upgrade?"

"Yes," Lin Yuanjian affirmed.

"Upgrade successful. Essence Stone -500. Remaining Essence Stones: 24,000."

Lin Yuanjian took a deep breath and said, "Sanfeng, pay close attention to what I'm about to tell you."

Zhang Sanfeng replied, "I understand, Master."

Lin Yuanjian then recited the perfected version of the Ultimate Pure Yang Technique.

Initially, Zhang Sanfeng was somewhat bewildered by the first few lines, but as he listened further, he had an epiphany—wasn't this his own Ultimate Pure Yang Technique?

By the time Lin Yuanjian finished, Zhang Sanfeng felt overwhelmed, as if he were on the brink of suffocation.

The technique still bore the essence of the Ultimate Pure Yang Technique, yet it was exponentially more refined than the original!

Had his master really enhanced his Ultimate Pure Yang Technique in such a brief time?

Was this some kind of demonry?

No, it had to be divine! Only a deity could achieve such a feat.

Zhang Sanfeng trembled uncontrollably, unable to rein in the tumultuous emotions within him.

To have such a transcendent being for a master was surely the fruit of many lifetimes of good fortune...

Lin Yuanjian cleared his throat and said, "Calm yourself. As your master, I wouldn't dream of shortchanging you."

Zhang Sanfeng bowed deeply and said, "I am eternally grateful, Master. Your teachings will benefit me for a lifetime."

"I'll be leaving Wudang Mountain soon," Lin Yuanjian informed him. "You must continue your diligent practice."

"If there's anything I can assist you with, Master, I am at your service," offered Zhang Sanfeng.

Lin Yuanjian smiled and replied, "No need, I can handle things on my own."

"Even so, please take care on your journey," Zhang Sanfeng said with concern.

The martial arts world was in turmoil, with the six major sects poised to siege Bright Peak and destroy the Bright Cult, while the foreign court cast a covetous gaze upon the Central Plain Community of Martial Arts.

Although unrelated to Lin Yuanjian, he had his own imperative reason to venture forth—to seek a disciple with a unique destiny.

Unsure of how many such individuals existed in this world, Lin Yuanjian knew that heading towards the epicenter of activity was his best bet.

After bidding farewell to Zhang Sanfeng, Lin Yuanjian retraced his steps back to his dwelling.

Zhang Wuji had already returned, his dedication evident as he practiced meditation since the early hours.

Pleased, Lin Yuanjian thought that Zhang Wuji would soon be ready to leave his tutelage.

"Master, you've returned?" Zhang Wuji inquired, emerging from his meditative state.

"Yes, I remembered something I needed to discuss with you, so I didn't linger with Taoist Zhang," Lin Yuanjian explained.

Zhang Wuji was surprised, "You've met with my grandmaster? Has he ended his seclusion?"

Lin Yuanjian chuckled to himself, knowing the truth would astonish his disciple—his grandmaster was now his junior brother! "Indeed, you haven't visited him since your return, have you?"

Before Zhang Wuji could respond, someone entered the courtyard.

"Wuji, your grandmaster wishes to see you. Come with me," said Yin Liting.

"Master, I'll go ahead," Zhang Wuji said.

"Go on, we'll talk about that matter when you return," Lin Yuanjian replied with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, Master." Zhang Wuji nodded and quickly left the courtyard.

At the crack of dawn, Ding Minjun, Bei Jinyi, and Zhou Zhiruo descended from Wudang Mountain.

Zhou Zhiruo had spent the previous night seeking a moment alone with Zhang Wuji, but he was preoccupied with tending to Soong Qingshu and Yuu Daiyan's injuries, and Ding Minjun, the ever-present chaperone, thwarted her at every turn.

Thus, she had no choice but to depart from Wudang, heavy with regret, uncertain of when they might meet again.

Zhang Wuji didn't return until noon, at which point Lin Yuanjian informed him of the imminent alliance of the six great sects, poised to besiege the Bright Cult at Bright Peak.

Zhang Wuji was taken aback by the news, previously unaware of the looming threat.

"Your grandfather, the White-browed Eagle King, may have founded the Celestial Eagle Cult, but he won't stand by while the Bright Cult faces peril. The six great sects are advancing with formidable force, and the Bright Cult is fragmented and vulnerable. It's doubtful they can withstand the assault."

"What am I to do?" Zhang Wuji was torn. He belonged to Wudang, yet he was also the grandson of the White-browed Eagle King.

Lin Yuanjian's voice was grave as he spoke, "I want you to lead the Bright Cult. Unite its scattered forces, broker a ceasefire with the six great sects, and command the Bright Cult's righteous army to expel the invaders and reclaim our Han lands."

"Ah?" Zhang Wuji gasped, "But my master expressly forbade me from joining the Bright Cult."

"Your master doesn't fully understand the Bright Cult," Lin Yuanjian explained. "The martial arts community harbors biases against them. Yes, their actions can be radical, but they've committed no heinous crimes. The teachings of the Bright Cult are just and noble. The label 'Devil Cult' is unjustly simplistic. The animosity they face is largely due to your foster father, the Golden Fur Lion King, Xie Xun, who has made enemies far and wide. The six great sects' united front against the Bright Cult is the result of covert provocations. Only you can avert this impending disaster."

Zhang Wuji was plunged into contemplation upon hearing these words.

"The Imperial Court sees the Central Plain Community of Martial Arts as a constant irritant. They relish the prospect of the six great sects clashing with the Bright Cult. Wuji, your task is not only to reconcile the feud between the six great sects and the Bright Cult but also to topple the tyrannical Meng Yuan regime and rescue the common folk from dire straits."

"You're right, Master," Zhang Wuji affirmed, his eyes shining with resolve. "We'll head to the Celestial Eagle Cult and strategize with my grandfather on how to counter the six great sects' maneuvers."

"I shall accompany you," declared Lin Yuanjian.

Zhang Wuji's spirits soared. "Nothing could be better." He had harbored doubts about his own capabilities, but Lin Yuanjian's presence changed everything.

His master seemed capable of anything; with him by his side, there was nothing to fear.