Chapter 26 - Mountain Stepping Technique
Elder Yan demonstrated a set of health-preserving exercises similar to the Five-Animal Qigong. However, the movements were exaggerated, with extreme twists and turns of the limbs, and each move seemed to contort the muscles and bones in ways that defied logic.
The disciples of the Shoujian Sect felt uncomfortable watching, as if they were reminded of their own bitter experiences practicing this martial art when they were young. They had endured so much hardship back then, taking advantage of the flexibility of their childhood bones. If adults with stiff muscles and bones were to practice it, it would be even more painful, perhaps even causing injuries.
Elder, maybe you should skip a few moves…
But Yang Shifei was actually intrigued.
Although he was relatively new to martial arts, having just started with the Triple Forest Crossing technique, this health-preserving exercise, despite its awkwardness, provided comprehensive training for muscles, organs, and even balance. If practiced regularly, it would surely bring great benefits to martial artists.
“Phew…”
As the dust settled in the courtyard, Elder Yan slowly withdrew his hands, exhaling deeply.
Turning back with a smile, he asked, “Young man, what do you think of this ‘Mountain Stepping Technique’?”
“It’s very impressive,” Yang Shifei exclaimed in admiration.
“Young man, you can see the essence of it at a glance. You have good talent,” Elder Yan praised with a smile, gesturing to the side. “Would you like to give it a try yourself?”
Yang Shifei was about to nod, but the disciples of the Shoujian Sect quickly interjected:
“Wait a moment, we have another sword technique here that’s even better than the Mountain Stepping Technique. Would you like to learn it, brother?”
“Huh?”
Yang Shifei was taken aback, glancing back and forth between the two groups.
Were the people from the Shoujian Sect all this enthusiastic?
Though he was puzzled, he clasped his hands and said, “I appreciate your kindness, but I understand the principle of not biting off more than I can chew. Learning Elder Yan’s martial art is enough for me for now.”
The disciples of the Shoujian Sect hesitated, their expressions complicated.
Only one humble and courteous young man, not knowing where he had offended Elder Yan.
They decided to hold back their words for now, lest they accidentally hurt this young man’s pride.
Yang Shifei stepped forward to Elder Yan, solemnly bowing.
Then, based on what he had just observed and remembered, he awkwardly began to mimic the stances, sometimes lifting legs and arms, sometimes bending and stretching, his body swaying unsteadily. Each movement made him furrow his brow slightly, feeling a slight soreness throughout his body, as if every joint and muscle were being twisted together, sending stiffness and discomfort rippling through his body.
“This kid…”
Elder Yan nodded silently beside him, unable to help but admire.
Although this person was a bit older, his physique was indeed extraordinary, and his insight and memory could be considered genius.
If he had started martial arts training from a young age, perhaps he could have become a renowned martial artist.
But for a martial artist to rise to fame, besides talent, luck is also necessary, and this person had ultimately missed the best time for cultivation.
..
-It’s a bit difficult.
Yang Shifei thought to himself, feeling a hint of sweat on his forehead.
His limbs were sore, his organs felt heavy, his movements became increasingly sluggish, and his body trembled slightly under the repeated stretching.
Without relying on the cold energy, with his current physique, he could barely perform the Mountain Stepping Technique two or three times, at most.
A glint flashed in Yang Shifei’s eyes, and his aura changed completely.
After the discomfort in his body, a cold energy spontaneously emerged and quickly dissipated.
The cold energy circulated throughout his body along the meridians, as if countless bottlenecks were being opened one by one. All the stiffness and soreness were effortlessly smoothed out. The Mountain Stepping Technique became even smoother and more fluid, with his movements flowing like clouds and water.
In just a few breaths, he was unleashing a series of powerful punches in the courtyard, his movements swift and fierce.
Elder Yan nearly pulled out his beard in astonishment, his eyes wide with disbelief.
What just happened?
How did this kid suddenly become so proficient?
No, it was his body suddenly becoming fully flexible, allowing the Mountain Stepping Technique to be executed to its fullest!
“Huh…”
A moment later, Yang Shifei stopped practicing his moves, stretched his neck, and let out a sigh.
As the cold energy gradually faded, a warm and fulfilling feeling spread throughout his body. Although his joints were slightly numb, his body had become much more comfortable. The exhaustion and soreness from the previous night’s experience had completely disappeared, and he felt incredibly refreshed.
“Y-Young man.”
Elder Yan hesitated slightly. “Do you feel… any discomfort?”
“Thank you for your concern, Elder Yan. I feel completely refreshed and comfortable now, with no discomfort whatsoever.” Yang Shifei smiled warmly. “Thank you for teaching me this excellent martial art. I will remember it well and practice diligently day and night in the future.”
Elder Yan’s face stiffened for a moment, then he forced a smile.
Meanwhile, the disciples of the Shoujian Sect nearby were dumbfounded, speechless for a moment.
If they were to attempt the Mountain Stepping Technique now, they would probably be so sore that they could barely move. Yet this person could still chat and laugh as if nothing had happened. What kind of freakish physique did he possess?
“Elder Yan, you are indeed thoughtful,” Luo Xian’er, who had been quietly observing, spoke up at this moment.
Elder Yan looked somewhat embarrassed. “Would you like me to demonstrate a few more times?”
“No need, he remembers.” Luo Xian’er looked calm. “Although the Mountain Stepping Technique is exquisite, it’s not difficult for him.”
The disciples of the Shoujian Sect: “..”
They had just come to their senses from the shock and remembered their previous absurd thoughts. They blushed with shame, wishing they could hit themselves in the face with a brick.
To think they believed this brother would embarrass himself, truly showing their lack of insight. Thankfully, none of them foolishly stepped forward to intervene, or else they would have been the ones embarrassed.
“However, if Elder Yan has intentions of nurturing, why not send the manual of the ‘Vertical Gorge Technique’ to our residence in a few days?”
Luo Xian’er’s following words made the disciples of the Shoujian Sect tense up.
The Vertical Gorge Technique was a unique martial art of the Shoujian Sect, only passable to direct disciples. How could it be easily—
“I may have offended earlier, so offering this gift is only right.”
Elder Yan shook his head and smiled wryly, his attitude suddenly changing. “I hope Miss Luo and Young master Yang can forgive my rudeness. Please don’t think I’m too bothersome.”
The disciples were even more confused.
What is the elder up to?
Just now, he seemed to be intentionally causing trouble, but now he’s giving away the sect’s secret techniques?
Yang Shifei’s eyes flickered, understanding the nuances of the conversation between the two.
This Elder Yan wanted to test his abilities, perhaps due to some hidden agenda, while Miss Luo wanted to gain some benefits for him.
“Elder Yan is so gracious, it seems I should also entertain you properly.”
Luo Xian’er’s tone was calm. “Tonight, there will be a banquet at my residence. Would Elder Yan and his entourage like to stay and taste the cuisine at my house?”
“You youngsters are getting along, and we don’t want to disturb.” Elder Yan chuckled. “We’ll see each other again when the major sects gather at the palace in a few days.”
With that, he waved to the dumbfounded disciples standing in place. “What are you still standing there for? Let’s go back to the inn. Do you really want to trouble the folks at the Lu Mansion?”
“Ah, oh! Thank you, Miss Luo, for your hospitality. We won’t disturb you.”
“Goodbye.”
Luo Xian’er watched as the Shoujian Sect group left the courtyard.
Once the courtyard returned to silence, she pursed her lips slightly and looked at Yang Shifei who had come to her side: “Do you feel upset?”
“Huh?” Yang Shifei was taken aback but quickly smiled. “Do you think I would be angry?”
Luo Xian’er lowered her eyelids slightly. “Elder Yan and my Luo family have a previous relationship, and he has taken care of me before. Seeing me suddenly having an arranged fiancé must have been a shock to him, so he wanted to test you to prevent any harm to us in the future.”
“I understand.” Yang Shifei smiled. “If he were really looking for trouble, he wouldn’t have left with a smile.”
Luo Xian’er’s complexion relaxed slightly as she murmured softly, “Practice the Mountain Stepping Technique diligently every day. Even if your physique is extraordinary, it will still be beneficial for you. As for the sword technique that will be delivered in a few days, you can also try to explore it.”
“Pastries are here~”
At that moment, cheerful shouts came from the corridor.
Yang Shifei followed the sound and saw a cheerful girl coming towards them, her dress elegant and beautiful, but her figure slightly plump.
“Hey, where’s Elder Yan?” The girl looked around the empty hall with a hint of surprise. “Did they all leave?”
“They’ve already returned to the inn,” Luo Xian’er turned her head and introduced to Yang Shifei, “This is the little princess.”
“Hehe, that’s me~” The little princess laughed and patted her chest, casting a curious glance at Yang Shifei.
Yang Shifei nodded in realization and bowed respectfully.
The princess indeed had a unique appearance.
It seems not all princesses are beautiful; some have ordinary looks too.
As the fragrance filled the air, Tan Xiang arrived at the hall with a bamboo basket, her expression calm as usual.
“Miss, the Shoujian Sect just left. Should I take these pastries to them?”
“Go ahead.” Luo Xian’er’s eyes flickered and suddenly said, “Why don’t you and Young master Yang go together? Chat along the way and let him see more of the current rivers and lakes.”
Upon hearing this, both Yang Shifei and Tan Xiang were slightly surprised.