In a faction as large as the Black Tortoise Sect, it was extremely difficult for disciples to receive pointers or advice directly from the upper echelons of the sect.
Not to mention the sect elders, most of the disciples seldom even had any interactions with any of the sect protectors.
However, this was not due to the upper echelons being unwilling to share their wisdom, but because there were simply far too many disciples!
In fact, excluding those secrets that they had only arrived at after a lifetime of contemplation, most of the upper echelons were generally willing to impart their wisdom on cultivation to juniors in the sect.
</a> It was not a exaggeration to say that grooming a talented disciple would be a great boost to them on both the material and reputational front, benefitting both they and the sect at the same time!
Unfortunately, talent was something extremely difficult to come by, making it easier said than done to groom a standout disciple.
The sheer number of disciples in the sect might have increased the likelihood of there being talented individuals, but it also made it much harder to spot the potential stars from among the mundane rocks.
Given that most of the upper echelons were busy enough worrying about matters on a higher level, how could they possibly spare the time and effort to give guidance to each and every disciple just to see if they were actually one of those potential stars?
At the same time, they were unwilling to just let these potential stars go to waste.
That was why the cultivation lectures were conducted on a monthly basis – to at least provide a certain level of guidance on a general basis.
It was common belief that those with true talent would eventually show their worth even if they were only given a minimal level of help.
most feasibleBut on the disciples’ end, this idea of providing minimal help meant that they often had to resolve any doubts and queries through internal discussions and consulting the more senior disciples.
Of course, being senior did not always mean that they know better. Still, when one was completely lost, certainly.
As for whether to heed the advice of their peers or seniors in the end, that was naturally up to the individual’s personal discretion.
However,
Adecision could only be made if one had a certain level of understanding on cultivation in general.
In the case of complete novices, there was almost no way they would be able to know how to discern between right and wrong!
This was only the third day of Lu Zhiying joining the Black Tortoise Sect.
At this important juncture when Lu Zhiying was just beginning to build up her foundation to embark on her cultivation path, Zhao Yunxiao wanted to provide whatever guidance he could to prevent her from taking too many detours in the future.
In fact, Zhao Yunxiao was not doing this solely for her sake either.
After all, he was a firm believer of the fact that one learns the best when teaching others. So why not do something that benefited both of them at the same time?
“Are you ready to be surprised?” Lu Zhiying grinned.
Zhao Yunxiao could not help but smile in satisfaction.
Regardless of the original intention, there were many disciples who did not take kindly to peers who offer their advice without being asked. Some even find it offensive as it suggested that the other party saw themselves as superior to oneself.
While Zhao Yunxiao had already expected Lu Zhiying not to mind this, seeing her responsestill put his mind at ease.
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Having observed Zhao Yunxiao over the past few days, Lu Zhiying dared not think that she was as hardworking as him. However, she had not exactly been lazing around and doing nothing these few days either.
Outside of the time that she spent around Zhao Yunxiao and Gu Qiansi, she had been putting in a fair share of effort in preparing for the path ahead.
wher time and
Of course, she only had two days to study it so far, but this give her a basic understanding of how it was like.
After taking a few deep breaths, Lu Zhiying’s eyes shot open.
“Xuanwu Fist Art – Invisible Snap!” Lu Zhiying called out.
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Her right fist shot forward with such speed that one could hear the wind getting caught in her robes.
It was a single punch, so the demonstration was over as soon as it started. However, Zhao Yunxiao did not miss any of the details hidden within that punch.
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Has anyone given you pointers on the Xuanwu Fist Art? Did Gu Qiansi say anything?” Zhao Yunxiao asked in response.
Not yet,” Lu Zhiying shook her head. “But I did well, didn’t I? I think I have a fairly good idea of how it is supposed to be like!”
Not too bad, I’m surprised you managed to get to this stage on your own in just two to three days,” Zhao Yunxiao admitted. “Tell me, what do you know about the Invisible Snap?”
First move of the Xuanwu Fist Art –this is a punch that emphasises on speed over power,” Lu Zhiying regurgitated whatever she remembered from the manual.
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Because speed is the most important factor in a fight,” Lu Zhiying answered. “It doesn’t matter how strongyour opponent is if your attacks are the only ones landing!”
That’s right,” Zhao Yunxiao said with a smile. “And that is why you always have to retract your punches immediately to return to your battle stance after executing your punch, ready to dodge any attacks from your opponents. By keeping still after punching out like what you just did, you are basically inviting your opponent to counterattack by attacking your unguarded body or even targeting your outstretched arm.”
But I only stayed in that position just so you can checkmy form!” Lu Zhiying explained.
I understand, but don’t do that next time. Even if it is just for practice, you need to do it right so that the move is ingrained in you as muscle memory,” Zhao Yunxiao said. “On top of that, the angle of your punch is slightly too high. Your stance is slightly too wide. The rotation on your fist is good but you were slightly too conscious of it, causing your speed to fall.”
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I am already telling you in parts,” Zhao Yunxiao shrugged. “In addition to what I said earlier, you also have to rotate your hip quicker. Don’t shift your entire weight into your punch just to make it heavier. Don’t-”
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Hahaha, I’m just joking,” Zhao Yunxiao laughed. “Fixing your moves and stances is a long and arduous process, and it’s only your third day so just take it slow. For a start, why don’t we try it again with a narrower stance?”
When it came to the practising of moves, it was usually more effective to learn things step by step in digestible bits.
So slightly lower angle on the punch, slightly narrower stance, more focus on the speed of the punch rather than the rotation, faster rotation of the hip, and less weight on the punch…” Lu Zhiying repeated what she just heard.
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This time, she no longer chose to close her eyes in preparation.
Zhao Yunxiao could feel his heart palpitating at this point.
That last punch confirmed it.
It was not a fluke – the punch was exactly the same as the one she did before.
He might not be the best person to judge.
Bjunior martial sister of his
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