Green Sword Art

Shangguan Yunying said with a very serious expression, "However, before I teach you, we must first determine which type of cultivation method you want to learn."

"Cultivation methods are generally divided into three directions, each with its own focus. This will determine your future path of development."

Gu Chengyin sat up straight, adopting the posture of an attentive student. "I am all ears."

"The first category is Body Tempering."

Shangguan Yunying held up her first finger. "This type of cultivation method focuses primarily on tempering the physique, with cultivating true qi as a secondary focus."

"Cultivators of this path possess formidable physical bodies, boundless strength, and astonishing endurance. They are suited for close-quarters combat and charging enemy lines."

"Techniques like the Great Luo military's 'Martial Path Battle Tactics' and 'Iron Wall Secret' fall into this category."

"The advantages are that it is relatively easy to begin, progress in the early stages is fast, and it is highly practical in actual combat."

"The disadvantage is that it becomes very weak in the later realms, making it easy for opponents to kite you from a distance."

"The second category is Qi Refining."

She held up her second finger. "This type of method focuses primarily on cultivating true qi, with tempering the physique as a secondary focus."

"Cultivators possess profound true qi that can be released externally to injure enemies. When they cultivate to the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, they can even fly on swords and control magical treasures."

"Orthodox Daoist techniques like the 'Righteous Qi Secret' and 'Purple Cloud Art' belong to this category."

"The advantages are diverse techniques and immense power, making it suitable for mid-to-long-range combat."

"The disadvantage is that the physical body is relatively fragile. If an opponent gets close, they easily fall into danger."

"The third category is Dual Body and Qi Cultivation."

Shangguan Yunying held up her third finger, a flash of pride in her eyes. "This type of method pursues the balanced development of both physique and true qi, giving equal importance to both."

"The 'Green Sword Secret' that I cultivate is exactly this kind."

"The advantage is comprehensive balance with no obvious shortcomings. They can handle both close combat and long-range attacks."

"The disadvantage is that progress is slow, requiring more time and resources, and it demands high natural talent."

After finishing her explanation, she looked at Gu Chengyin. "Which category do you want to cultivate?"

Gu Chengyin did not answer immediately. Instead, he pondered for a moment before asking in return:

"Yunying, I have a question. Does the Great Luo Dynasty have Golden Core realm experts?"

Shangguan Yunying answered without the slightest hesitation, "Yes. My Green Sword Sect has them, but they rarely take action anymore. They exist more as a deterrent."

"With your intelligence, you surely know why."

A flash of understanding crossed Gu Chengyin's eyes. "Information shackles."

"The best way to control a dynasty capable of immortal cultivation and prevent cultivators from running amok is not military force."

"It is to create an information cocoon, placing information shackles on everyone."

Gu Chengyin continued, "Just like how aristocratic families are aristocratic families not because of their deep foundations or great strength."

"But because they control information that ordinary people will never be able to access."

Shangguan Yunying nodded slowly. "You are right. The delicate balance maintained between the Great Luo royal family, the aristocratic families, and the sects relies on this tacit understanding."

"Ordinary people do not even know the concept of the Golden Core. They believe that peak Foundation Establishment is the very end of the martial path."

Gu Chengyin thought of the nuclear deterrence balance between major powers in his previous life. How similar it was to this immortal cultivation dynasty of Great Luo.

Military force was merely the foundation; the true art of ruling lay in the monopoly and distribution of information.

He looked inward, feeling the endless, vast true qi within his dantian.

Thanks to the conversion of his influence, his total amount of true qi far exceeded that of ordinary people, and its recovery speed was astonishing.

"I choose Dual Body and Qi Cultivation," Gu Chengyin raised his head, his gaze firm.

Shangguan Yunying was not surprised by this choice. "A wise decision. However, the pressure on this path will be much greater. You must be mentally prepared."

"No matter," Gu Chengyin smiled. "If there is one thing I do not succumb to, it is pressure."

"Alright," Shangguan Yunying said seriously. "Among this type of cultivation method, the best one I know is the Green Sword Secret. I will teach you this."

Just as she was about to impart it, Gu Chengyin raised his hand to stop her. "Wait, Yunying."

Shangguan Yunying paused, startled. "What is it?"

Gu Chengyin said with a serious expression, "Does your Green Sword Sect have any rules against teaching outsiders? It wouldn't be good if I caused you to break the rules."

"Sect inheritances usually have strict sectarian biases. I don't want to put you in a difficult position."

The question was considerate, but Shangguan Yunying's gaze began to wander, and a trace of unnaturalness appeared on her face.

"Th...there aren't really any rules. My maternal grandfather is the sect master of the Green Sword Sect. Who would dare say anything to me?"

As she reached the end of her sentence, her voice grew quieter, clearly lacking confidence.

Gu Chengyin asked doubtfully to confirm again, "Really? Don't lie to me. If there really are rules, I can learn something else."

Being questioned like this, Shangguan Yunying instead convinced herself. She suddenly raised her head and said firmly:

"Of course it's true! Although the Green Sword Secret is my Green Sword Sect's ultimate technique, there is no explicit rule stating it cannot be taught to outsiders."

"Besides, since I promised to teach you, I can naturally bear the responsibility."

"My grandfather dotes on me the most. Even if he finds out, he won't say anything."

She spoke with righteous conviction, which also put Gu Chengyin's mind at ease. He cupped his hands and said candidly:

"Since that is the case, Master Yunying, please instruct me!"

This address of 'Master' made Shangguan Yunying's face flush red. She waved her hands repeatedly and chided playfully, "I told you, don't call me Master."

Gu Chengyin, however, smiled mischievously. "Of course I won't call you that when outsiders are around, but aren't we the only two here right now?"

Shangguan Yunying was momentarily left speechless by this twisted logic, not knowing how to refute it.

Blushing, she glared at Gu Chengyin and simply changed the subject. "Stop being so glib! Do you still want to learn or not?"

"I do, I do!" Gu Chengyin quickly put away his smile and adopted a posture of attentive listening.

Only then did Shangguan Yunying nod in satisfaction and begin her formal explanation:

"The Green Sword Secret is the ultimate technique of the Green Sword Sect. Even looking at the entire Great Luo Dynasty, it is a top-tier cultivation method."

"This technique is like clouds and mist, ethereal and unpredictable, like a startled swan or a roaming dragon. It is best at breaking through a surface with a single point."

"As long as you have enough true qi, I wouldn't go so far as to say you could fight a hundred enemies alone, but you could handle them with ease."

Shangguan Yunying said with immense pride, "The Green Sword Secret is divided into two parts: one is the mental cultivation method for circulating true qi, and the other is the accompanying sword techniques, consisting of thirteen sword strikes."

"These thirteen strikes progress layer by layer. The further you go, the more exquisite they become, and the higher the requirements for true qi control."

"Today, I will first impart the mental cultivation method to you."

Saying this, Shangguan Yunying stood up and had Gu Chengyin sit upright on the bed, while she stood in front of him.

"Close your eyes, focus your mind, and relax your body and soul."

Gu Chengyin did as he was told. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and banished all distracting thoughts one by one.

Then, he felt a small hand gently take his own.

Their fingers intertwined, their palms facing each other.

Shangguan Yunying's hand was a size smaller than his; her fingers were slender but strong.

At this moment, with their palms pressed together, Gu Chengyin could clearly feel the warmth of her palm and her quickening heartbeat.

"Don't get distracted."