"Hahaha, Qingshan, there are countless youths in this world who wish to learn the Inner Strength technique.
Moreover, to be taught by you, who resides in the Void Realm—it's something they'd beg for." Zhuge Yuanhong chuckled, "Rest assured, not just a thousand, even five thousand would be easily achievable." "A thousand is enough.
I suspect most of them will be weeded out three months from now," Teng Qingshan replied with a smile.
The cultivation of Inner Martial Arts demands extremely high aptitude and comprehension.
Although the Nine Provinces land is abundant with spiritual energy, making it far more conducive to cultivation than the world of Teng Qingshan's past life, even so, having a hundred suitable candidates out of a thousand for Inner Martial Arts would be considered good.
Furthermore— Only Teng Qingshan and his eldest disciple, 'Teng Shou,' were capable of teaching Inner Martial Arts; having too many disciples would make instruction impossible. "Mmm, being strict is probably better," Zhuge Yuanhong suddenly turned serious. "Qingshan, don't reveal too much to your parents in the future." Although Zhuge Yuanhong understood why Teng Qingshan had proactively leaked information to reassure his parents that their son was safe, he remained slightly uneasy.
Previously, at Teng Yongfan's residence, Zhuge Yuanhong and Teng Yongfan's couple had repeatedly implored them not to disclose the situation for the sake of their son, 'Teng Qingshan.' "It’s only when my parents are at ease that I can feel better," Teng Qingshan sighed inwardly, a wave of guilt washing over him at the thought of his parents' tears. "Let's not talk about it," Teng Qingshan forced a slight smile. "Senior Jing Yi!" Suddenly, a surprised shout was heard.
Teng Qingshan and Zhuge Yuanhong both looked up; it was Teng Qinghu approaching. "Sect Master, Senior Jing Yi!" Teng Qinghu greeted them warmly.
Teng Qingshan nodded with a smile, "Teng Qinghu, right? We met on the city wall." This simple acknowledgment thrilled Qinghu; this was a Void Realm expert.
Teng Qingshan then pointed toward a youth not far away, currently practicing with a stone lock weighing several dozen pounds, "Teng Qinghu, have that little fellow come over." "Mmm, alright." Teng Qinghu roared toward the other side, "Little Monkey, come here." "Second Uncle." The youth trotted over, clearly adoring and obedient to Teng Qinghu, standing quietly to the side.
Teng Qinghu gestured toward Zhuge Yuanhong and Teng Qingshan, "Little Monkey, these two gentlemen are truly extraordinary seniors." "Marquis Hong pays his respects to the two great seniors." The youth saluted with utmost deference.
Teng Qingshan revealed a slight smile.
In the generational lineage of the Teng Family Village, Teng Qingshan's grandfather belonged to the 'Yun' generation, his father to the 'Yong' generation, and Teng Qingshan and his peers belonged to the 'Qing' generation.
This young man was one generation below Teng Qingshan, belonging to the 'Hong' generation. "Little Marquis Hong, come learn from me.
Do a few movements." As Teng Qingshan spoke, he raised his right leg to the side, hands clasped behind his back, steadying himself on one leg, "Hold that for ten breaths." "Simple." This Marquis Hong immediately copied the stance. "Now, do this one." Teng Qingshan casually performed six movements, and Marquis Hong easily mimicked all six. "Mmm, very good.
How old are you this year?" Teng Qingshan asked with a smile. "Eleven," Marquis Hong replied. "Teng Qinghu, ask his parents for me.
If they agree, I'll take this little fellow under my wing," Teng Qingshan said lightly.
Although he had previously told his master, Zhuge Yuanhong, that he preferred those ten years old and under, the Inner Martial Arts were not overly strict about age.
There were many examples in the history of his past life where individuals started cultivating around fifteen or sixteen and ultimately became Grandmasters.
Furthermore, Teng Qingshan's third disciple, 'Xue Xin,' was even older. "They'll agree, definitely agree.
His father isn't a fool.
For a senior like you to offer guidance, it’s a blessing they'd never dare refuse." Teng Qinghu was beside himself with excitement; he had witnessed that earth-shattering battle below the city wall himself...
he even wished he could become a disciple. "Mmm," Teng Qingshan nodded with a smile. "He should stay home for now; the Gui Yuan Sect will escort him in a couple of days." Following this, Teng Qingshan and Zhuge Yuanhong departed together.
On the street. "Master, did you see? I performed six movements," Teng Qingshan said. "These six movements, as long as their physique allows and they have trained since childhood, anyone can manage them easily.
When you recruit the thousand youths, Master, use these as the standard.
If they can complete all six movements, accept them." "The movements aren't difficult.
In this chaotic age, which child hasn't trained a little since childhood? Most will manage," Zhuge Yuanhong concurred. "I will arrange people to start the recruitment immediately." "However, since we have to test their six movements individually, it will take a bit longer," Zhuge Yuanhong smiled. "In three days, we should have the full complement." The next day, the first day of the fourth month, the Gui Yuan Sect officially began recruiting youths aged ten and under.
Within the Gui Yuan Sect, some elders and protectors, having learned that it was 'Senior Jing Yi' himself taking in these youths, were so excited that they brought their own grandsons, great-grandsons, and any relative who fit the age criteria to participate in the assessment.
Meanwhile, across Jiangning County City and the surrounding rural areas, upon hearing the announcement—especially knowing that no fees were required—families immediately sent their children forward.
Three hundred were recruited on the first day alone.
On the second day, those who received the news slower, such as villagers and families from ordinary households within Jiangning County City, mostly brought their children on the second day.
Thus, the recruitment numbers were especially high that day.
By the afternoon of the second day, the quota of one thousand recruits was filled.
...
On the third day of the fourth month, the Gui Yuan Sect dispatched a force of a thousand guards to escort these children to Yicheng in Jiangning County.
The Gui Yuan Sect felt secure about their safety because Teng Qingshan was traveling to Yicheng alongside them. "Senior, traveling this fast, can the children endure it?" the Battalion Commander of the thousand-man contingent asked respectfully. "I'm afraid they might collapse from exhaustion." "Maintain this pace, following exactly what I instructed you to do," Teng Qingshan commanded. "Also, pass down the order...
anyone who cannot reach Yicheng will be immediately sent back home." "Yes, sir." The Battalion Commander was extremely respectful.
Teng Qingshan looked at the group of children.
The cultivation of Inner Martial Arts demanded far stricter perseverance than cultivating Inner Strength.
Cultivating Inner Strength merely required sitting cross-legged and immersing oneself for several hours.
But practicing Inner Martial Arts, without a certain level of attainment, was incredibly tedious.
Only upon reaching an extremely high realm would one begin to enjoy the act of practicing the forms. "Three hundred li is the first trial for these children.
I wonder how many of these thousand will be eliminated on this road," Teng Qingshan walked alongside the children.
...
Over the three hundred li, these children carried small packs.
Although their physical fitness was generally decent, the speed set by Teng Qingshan was taxing.
On the first day, many children cried out that they couldn't bear it.
However, once the officers announced that anyone who wished to stop walking would be sent back, all the children gritted their teeth and persisted.
Being sent back as failures would certainly earn them scoldings from their families.
But on the second day, thirteen children finally broke down, unable to endure, and gave up crying.
On the third day, a full fifty-six children tearfully quit.
On the fourth day, thirteen children gave up.
On the fifth day, six children gave up.
When they reached Yicheng at noon on the sixth day, arriving at the enormous manor specially arranged by the Gui Yuan Sect, many children broke down in tears upon arrival.
For the last half-day’s journey on the sixth day, not a single child abandoned the march.
This meant— In the five and a half days of travel, 86 children gave up.
Out of the initial one thousand youths, 914 remained. "This is slightly better than I expected," Teng Qingshan nodded secretly. "Five and a half days, covering just over three hundred li..." It must be noted that the official roads were not perfectly smooth, and this journey was torture for many children.
Yet, for some children, it had been easy.
Many rural youths, having trained since childhood, could cover a hundred li a day without trouble.
* On the eighth day of the fourth month, the 914 children settled in.
They were given the entire day to rest without any assigned tasks.
Teng Qingshan, meanwhile, used the Six-Legged Saber Cicada to bring his eldest disciple, 'Teng Shou,' back from the Tai'a Mountain Range.
Given the current status of the Ferocious Beast Gang in the Tai'a Mountain Range, coupled with the strength of 'Yang Dong,' 'Xue Xin,' and the cohort of gang members, their foothold was secure, requiring no intervention from Teng Shou, a Strength Manifestation expert.
...
On the ninth day of the fourth month, on a massive training ground specially flattened within the grand manor, the 914 children stood ramrod straight.
Nearby, guards and servants specially assigned by the Gui Yuan Sect watched the group of children with smiles.
Teng Shou, clad in beast hide, stood before the nine hundred-plus children.
Teng Shou’s gaze instilled fear in them. "Master," Teng Shou turned to look in the distance.
Teng Qingshan appeared at the courtyard entrance, and in a blink— Teng Qingshan vanished from the entrance and reappeared beside Teng Shou, a hundred zhang away. "Wow!" "Heavens!" "There are immortals!" Some of the children couldn't help but exclaim, their eyes wide.
Even the guards and servants assigned by the Gui Yuan Sect were stunned speechless.
Teng Qingshan looked at the shocked expressions of the children and couldn't help but reveal a smile.
Indeed, slightly displaying one's power initially was a common method used by many masters to motivate their disciples to cultivate diligently. "Many people wish to learn martial arts," Teng Qingshan's voice was soft but echoed in the ears of every youth present. "However, only one thousand people in the Gui Yuan Sect had the opportunity to come.
But during the journey...
eighty-six more lost their chance.
You total nine hundred and fourteen." "However—among you nine hundred and fourteen, eight hundred, or even more, will ultimately be eliminated and sent home," Teng Qingshan stated coldly.
These children, the youngest six and the oldest eleven, were already old enough to understand.
Hearing that eight hundred or more would be eliminated terrified them. "But—if you persevere until the end, you will become formidable experts," Teng Qingshan suddenly stamped his foot.
Rumble~~~ The entire earth shook violently, startling the nine hundred-plus children into cries of alarm, many stumbling and falling.
Before them, a hideous, deep fissure, dozens of zhang long, snaked across the ground, caused by Teng Qingshan's stomp.
Under Teng Qingshan's control, this earth crack did not extend into the area where the children stood. "Ah..." "What is this..." The group of children stared in shock at the massive ravine.
Even ordinary men would take a very long time to dig such a long trench.
The power of a single stomp? Let alone the children, the nearby guards and servants were utterly dumbfounded. "If you cultivate diligently, you will have the chance to do this." Teng Qingshan looked toward Teng Shou beside him. "From this moment on, you will all learn from my eldest disciple, 'Teng Shou.'" Teng Shou stepped forward, his gaze sharp and cold.
...
That day, Teng Shou merely shattered the useless rockery into fragments with a few punches, instantly earning the worshipful gaze of all the children...
Some of the large stones in that rockery weighed tens of thousands of pounds, and he pulverized them with just a few blows; they had never witnessed anyone so powerful.
Following Teng Qingshan's instructions— Teng Shou taught only one movement: Three Stances (San Ti Shi)! He meticulously taught every key point, breathing technique, and nuance of the Three Stances.
According to Teng Qingshan's view: "Ah Shou, these Three Stances are the origin and foundation of my Inner Martial Arts.
Even you must practice them regularly.
Do not look down upon teaching the children the Three Stances; in the process of teaching, you will naturally review and gain new insights.
Remember, teaching is also a form of cultivation." Hearing these words, Teng Shou taught the nine hundred-plus children with even greater seriousness.
The greatest virtue of this eldest disciple, 'Teng Shou,' was his obedience to his master; any task assigned by Teng Qingshan was executed flawlessly.
** In the inner courtyard of this grand manor, there was also a slightly smaller training ground.
Normally, besides Teng Shou, Teng Qingshan forbade any guards, servants, or the young disciples from entering.
If anyone dared trespass, the disciples would be immediately expelled and sent home, while the guards and servants would be thrown into prison.
Thus, no one dared to disturb them. "Three months.
The spiritual energy of the Nine Provinces is abundant.
With decent aptitude, they should manifest Inner Strength within a month.
Those with lesser talent should achieve Inner Strength in two months at the latest." Teng Qingshan set a deadline: anyone who failed to cultivate Inner Strength within three months would be eliminated.
It should be noted that Teng Qingshan himself, as a mere three-year-old child whose body was not fully developed, had achieved it in just one month back then.
...
A month and a half later, on the training ground in the inner courtyard.
The Six-Legged Saber Cicada was lying nearby, observing Teng Qingshan practicing his spear techniques, occasionally swinging its own saber legs. "While the close-combat movement techniques in the 'Mountain Splitting Thirty-Six Forms' are perfect, the best method is the one that suits oneself." Teng Qingshan was gradually modifying and merging the movement techniques contained within the 'Mountain Splitting Thirty-Six Forms' with the 'Swimming Fish Movement' and the 'Earth Movement Technique' to create a set of movements suited specifically to him.
Although not as flawless as those created by Emperor Yu, Teng Qingshan found his customized version more fluid. "Swish!" "Swish!" His Reincarnation Spear transformed at times into blossoming pear blossoms, at others into a long dragon yearning for the sky, and at yet others, it seemed like a world-destroying giant drill tearing through the heavens.
The terrifying whistling sound even startled the youths practicing on the outer training ground. "Exhilarating, truly exhilarating." With his movement techniques complementing his spear arts, Teng Qingshan was like a fish in water, or a swift leopard, flowing freely with his spear strikes.
However, immersed in his spear practice, Teng Qingshan failed to notice that the Six-Legged Saber Cicada, which had been watching him, gradually stopped observing him and became lost in its own saber techniques.
As time passed...
while Teng Qingshan practiced his spear with supreme joy, faint traces of golden light began to emanate from around the Six-Legged Saber Cicada's body. "Mmm?" Teng Qingshan finally snapped out of his spear practice.
He turned his head and saw the Six-Legged Saber Cicada in the corner of the training ground, its entire body emitting a dazzling golden radiance, appearing like a golden sun. "Roar~~~" The Six-Legged Saber Cicada suddenly let out a world-shattering roar, sounding both agonizing and frenzied.
Instantly, boundless golden light surged wildly toward the creature, like a massive vortex in the ocean, even causing the surrounding rockeries to shatter into pieces. "Could it be, the Six-Legged Saber Cicada is..." Teng Qingshan's eyes blazed, his heart surging with excitement.