Zhu Xian: The way of heaven collapses, and I only have one sword!

Chapter 18: Calm and silent, encouraging teaching!

From that day on, Zhang Xiaofan truly embarked on his path of cultivation. In Chen Qiye's view, Zhang Xiaofan, possessing the skills of both Tianyin Temple and Qingyun Sect, might have a slower pace in the early stages of his cultivation, but he would definitely accelerate in the later stages.

If Zhang Xiaofan had practiced only the Qingyun technique, his path might have been much smoother, but it would have also been less complex and less likely. However, now that he possessed two unique skills, while seemingly complex and difficult, it actually presented numerous challenges. After all, as a Qingyun disciple, mastering the techniques of two different schools inevitably aroused suspicion.

Chen Qiye looked at Zhang Xiaofan, who was sitting cross-legged in front of him, nodded slightly, and said, "Xiaofan, I see that you have almost mastered the second level of Tai Chi Xuanqing Dao. I might as well just give you the third and fourth level techniques. After all, in my opinion, these two levels can be practiced at the same time."

"Brother Qiye, is this really possible?" Zhang Xiaofan's face was filled with surprise and confusion, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, yet also with a hint of unease. He knew full well what it meant to practice beyond one's level; it was a challenge far beyond his current abilities, and the slightest misstep could lead to obsession. But he also knew that if Chen Qiye said so, there must be a reason.

"Don't worry, it's absolutely controllable and everything is under control." Chen Qiye patted Zhang Xiaofan on the shoulder and said.

Zhang Xiaofan's uneasiness gradually dissipated. He took a deep breath, nodded, and said, "Okay, Brother Qiye, I'll listen to you!"

"Let's review the first stage of Tai Chi Xuan Qing Dao: Qi Induction. It essentially involves the practitioner drawing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into the body, circulating it thirty-six times, and then entering the next stage. The second stage, Qi Refining, involves opening up the lower Dantian, refining the spiritual energy drawn into the body into Yuan Jing, nourishing the entire body. I believe you have a general understanding of both stages, and this is also the realm you are currently in."

Chen Qiye continued, "The third and fourth levels are the key to truly widening the gap. The third level, Qi, talks about refining essence into Qi, using the spirit as fire and the essence as material. This allows you to cultivate Tai Chi Qi, which can directly absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to strengthen yourself. This is also the foundation of all magic. At the fourth level, driving objects, the Tai Chi Qi flows through the meridians throughout the body, allowing you to drive objects away from the body, which is what we often call flying with a sword. At this stage, you can learn some spells."

After Chen Qiye finished speaking, he began to teach Zhang Xiaofan the third and fourth levels of Tai Chi Xuanqing Dao, word by word. Zhang Xiaofan was completely focused, not daring to slack off, and memorized every word firmly in his mind.

"Xiao Fan, if you want to control that fire stick quickly, you need to practice at the second level." Chen Qiye said after taking a deep breath.

Zhang Xiaofan nodded, took a deep breath, and following the formula taught by Chen Qiye, he slowly closed his eyes and began to try to mobilize the spiritual energy within his body. A faint glow gradually appeared around him, and the spiritual energy slowly flowed through his meridians. However, the more he moved, the more he felt as if there was an invisible barrier, making the flow of the spiritual energy more difficult.

"Be still and focus your mind."

Zhang Xiaofan heard Chen Qiye's gentle reminder and took a deep breath. He tried to put aside all distractions and immersed his mind in the circulation of spiritual energy within his body. Gradually, the barrier seemed to loosen, and the spiritual energy began to flow slowly again, but the speed was still very slow.

"It doesn't matter if the operation speed is slow. What's important is that the foundation is stable." Chen Qiye said in a low and powerful voice.

Zhang Xiaofan nodded silently, gritted his teeth, beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, but he still focused on guiding the spiritual energy.

Time passed slowly, the sky gradually darkened, night fell quietly, and the sound of insects in the mountains rose and fell, but Zhang Xiaofan and Chen Qiye seemed to be in another world, deaf to everything in the outside world.

Just when Zhang Xiaofan felt that he was about to give up, the spiritual energy in his body suddenly seemed to break through a thin membrane and the flow rate suddenly increased.

Seeing this, Chen Qiye hurriedly said: "Now is the time to pursue the victory!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaofan immediately increased his power to channel his spiritual energy. The faint glow around him grew increasingly dazzling, even illuminating a small area around him. As the spiritual energy continued to circulate, Zhang Xiaofan gradually entered a wondrous state. He felt his consciousness become incredibly clear, able to clearly perceive the direction of every meridian in his body and every change in the spiritual energy. At the same time, he also vaguely felt that deep within his lower dantian, an even more powerful force seemed to be slowly awakening.

Not far away, Tian Buyi and Su Ru looked at the shining light around Zhang Xiaofan with different expressions.

Tian Buyi's brows furrowed, his eyes filled with worry and confusion. He didn't understand why Chen Qiye wanted Zhang Xiaofan to skip levels in his cultivation. He was well aware of the risks involved. Su Ru, on the other hand, looked anxious and tried to intervene several times, but Tian Buyi held her back.

"It's not easy, Xiaofan...isn't this too risky?" Su Ru couldn't help but ask.

Tian Buyi was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Since Qiye did this, he must have his reasons. Xiaofan is a calm kid. Since he's willing to try, there might really be a glimmer of hope."

At this moment, the spiritual energy within Zhang Xiaofan's body surged, and the power of his awakening grew stronger. He felt as if he were in a vast ocean, surrounded by endless spiritual energy, and he was trying hard to bring this spiritual energy under his control. Suddenly, he opened his eyes abruptly, a glint of light flashed in them, and then he exhaled a breath of foul air.

"Brother Qiye, I broke through the second level and reached the third level!" Zhang Xiaofan said excitedly.

Chen Qiye smiled and patted Zhang Xiaofan on the shoulder: "Good boy, you are worthy of being my brother, Chen Qiye! But this is just the beginning. The key is to stabilize your realm."

"Qi Ye, how did you teach Xiaofan? How come he improved so quickly?" Tian Buyi looked at Zhang Xiaofan, then at Chen Qiye, and said with some doubt.

"Although Xiaofan's cultivation speed is slow, his foundation is very solid, even at the second level. In your eyes, Xiaofan is a bit dull, but isn't dullness also a manifestation of calmness? For Xiaofan, what he needs most is encouragement." Chen Qiye nodded and said.

Tian Buyi seemed to be lost in thought. His gaze fell on Zhang Xiaofan again, and the doubt in his eyes was slowly replaced by recognition. "You're right. It seems that as his master, I haven't paid enough attention to him."

Su Ru walked over to Zhang Xiaofan and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead: "Xiaofan, you must be exhausted, right? Take a break first."

Zhang Xiaofan waved his hands quickly, his excitement still lingering: "Master's Wife, I'm not tired. I feel full of strength and want to continue practicing."

Chen Qiye looked at Zhang Xiaofan's high morale and reminded him, "Xiaofan, you shouldn't rush into cultivation. More haste makes waste. You've just achieved a breakthrough, and your foundation isn't solid yet. Resting well and adjusting your state will be more beneficial for your subsequent cultivation."

Although Zhang Xiaofan was somewhat reluctant, he still followed Chen Qiye's advice, sat down cross-legged, and began to close his eyes and regulate his breathing.

"Qiye, let Daren and the others come tomorrow, and you can help them with their lessons. You also know that the Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition is coming soon, so..." Tian Buyi looked at Chen Qiye, his eyes full of expectation and trust.

Chen Qiye nodded slightly and replied, "Uncle Tian, ​​don't worry. Since you asked, I will do my best. Besides, we are all from Qingyun Sect. It is only right and proper for me to help."

(End of this chapter)