C28 Dragon Countering Nine Steps

"Azure Cloud Embracing Moon Palm," "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist," and "Silky Hair Soft Finger" are the only three mid-tier martial arts techniques available in the first level of the Profound Arts Pavilion. Each has its unique strengths, making it difficult for Woo Zhengyang to choose.

The "Azure Cloud Embracing Moon Palm" is known for its elusive and adaptable palm techniques, creating a flurry of unpredictable shadows during combat. The "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist" is renowned for its overwhelming power and formidable presence. Meanwhile, the "Silky Hair Soft Finger" may seem the least threatening, but it's the most lethal, ensuring a fatal strike when unleashed.

Given Woo Zhengyang's path, the "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist" is undoubtedly the most suitable for him. Its powerful strikes can harm opponents without fear of self-injury, thanks to his strong recovery abilities.

"Who says you can only train in one martial art? Why not choose two?" Woo Zhengyang pondered, unable to decide.

The "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist" was a definite choice, but he still had to decide between the other two. Ultimately, Woo Zhengyang chose not to abandon any of them. If he was already planning to train in two, why not add a third? Even if he didn't practice it immediately, he could at least transcribe it for future use.

As Woo Zhengyang went to fetch paper and pen, another martial arts manual caught his eye!

Woo Zhengyang discovered it on the desk where he often copied texts. Usually, it was hidden under sheets of paper, occasionally stained with ink spills and tears. Yet, these blemishes couldn't stop Woo Zhengyang from being drawn to it, as he was all too familiar with the handwriting on this martial arts manual.

The manual was titled "Dragon Countering Nine Steps." The name was bold, and the calligraphy even bolder, with its sweeping strokes exuding a wild and unrestrained energy. Woo Zhengyang had recently seen such unabashedly powerful writing in the "Sword Sacrificing Spell."

Just by glancing at the title, Woo Zhengyang could sense the same rebellious spirit in both works. After skimming through the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps," he was certain they were penned by the same person. Although the author was the same, the times at which the two manuals were written differed.

The "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" had a more unrestrained and domineering style, surpassing the "Sword Sacrificing Spell" in boldness, yet it lacked a certain mysterious aura. This aura was something Woo Zhengyang couldn't quite articulate but could distinctly feel. When reading the "Sword Sacrificing Spell," every character carried an irresistible regal presence.

This suggested that when the author wrote the "Sword Sacrificing Spell," they had reached a profound and mystical level of mastery. The writing had less outward bravado but more depth and maturity, reflecting the wisdom and accumulation of years. It was something that could only be grasped at a certain level of enlightenment.

It was precisely this mysterious aura that allowed the author to test Woo Zhengyang's mindset with just a preface, embedding each word of the technique with insights into the way of the sword, deeply imprinting them in Woo Zhengyang's mind.

The intricacy of the "Sword Sacrificing Spell" indicated that the writer was no ordinary person. Since the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" came from the same hand, it must also possess extraordinary qualities. Perhaps the author had practiced these techniques, or possibly, both were their original creations.

One was a cultivation method, the other a martial skill. They might even complement each other. What puzzled Woo Zhengyang was why such a powerful martial skill had fallen into obscurity. Could it be that the author misjudged, and this technique wasn't as powerful as it seemed?

Once Woo Zhengyang opened the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps," everything became clear. The reason for its abandonment was simple: this martial skill was specifically designed for body cultivation!

The "Sword Sacrificing Spell" was a Qi refining method, while the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" was a body cultivation martial skill. Both came from the same author, sparking a bold idea in Woo Zhengyang's mind. This mysterious writer was adept in both body and Qi cultivation!

Woo Zhengyang had considered this possibility while practicing the "Sword Sacrificing Spell" to condense sword-shaped genuine Qi. Now, it seemed highly likely that the "Sword Sacrificing Spell" was indeed based on body cultivation.

Regardless of whether this idea is true or not, Woo Zhengyang was determined to learn the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps." This was an ancient martial art from the same era as the "Sword Sacrificing Spell," a time before skill levels were even a thing!

Woo Zhengyang hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise, but a new problem quickly arose. With the addition of the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps," he now had four martial arts techniques to transcribe...

As his pen danced across the paper, time quietly slipped away.

Before he knew it, the sun was setting in the west. All the disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect were heading back to their quarters, and the Profound Arts Pavilion was about to close. Woo Zhengyang had only managed to transcribe up to the third technique. In the vast pavilion, he was the only disciple left.

The steward in charge of the pavilion approached Woo Zhengyang and, seeing the techniques spread out on the table, couldn't help but frown slightly.

"It's you again, kid. Last time you came in, you copied a Body Tempering Technique. Now you've gone and taken on three martial arts techniques, and they're all hand-to-hand combat skills. Haven't you ever heard that biting off more than you can chew isn't a good idea?"

Watching Woo Zhengyang finish transcribing the third technique, the steward muttered with a hint of frustration.

"You're right, sir. I'll make sure to pay attention and train each one carefully," Woo Zhengyang replied with a smile. This steward was decent; if it had been someone like Zhang Tia, he might have thrown in some sarcastic remarks about what I was copying.

"You're pretty stubborn, aren't you? Copying down martial arts techniques—are you really planning to stick with the Body Tempering Technique?"

"The past few days of practicing the Body Tempering Technique have gone smoothly. It seems to suit me well, so I'll keep at it for now," Woo Zhengyang replied, unable to elaborate further.

"Alright then, since you've finished copying everything, you should head back. If you hurry, you might still make it in time for dinner." The steward didn't interfere further, placing the three martial arts manuals Woo Zhengyang had copied back on the shelf and gesturing for him to leave.

"Um... Sir, I haven't finished copying one of them. Are you closing the Profound Arts Pavilion now?" Woo Zhengyang asked, a bit embarrassed.

"One more?" The steward looked at the copying table in surprise and asked.

"This one!" Woo Zhengyang picked up the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps."

The steward took a look, shook his head, and chuckled. "This technique is indeed suitable for body training, even an ancient martial art. But others have tried it before, and it didn't prove very powerful. It becomes difficult to progress later on, and they all gave up, leaving it here. Are you sure you want to try?"

"Since it's an ancient martial art, I might as well take a look. Besides, there's no harm in learning more techniques," Woo Zhengyang said, not willing to give up just because of a few words.

The unique training method from the "Sword Sacrificing Spell" already showed the writer's distinctiveness. Who knows, the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" might hold unexpected benefits as well.

"Interesting little guy, since that's the case, don't bother copying it. Just take it back with you! It's not like this technique is of any use sitting here anyway!"

With that, the steward handed the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" back to Woo Zhengyang...