The Sixth Chapter: Learning at the Easy Garden

Upon returning to their residence, Master Ziyang looked at Lin Yunfeng and Lu Yun, smiling. "You two are in luck. The master has agreed. In two days, you'll join ten others for the selection process. That's when you'll find out which section of the Garden has chosen you."

Lin Yunfeng inquired, "Master, could you tell us about the special techniques here at Easy Garden? It would broaden our knowledge."

Ziyang looked at Lin Yunfeng's eyes and understood his curiosity. With a smile, he responded, "Easy Garden's most prominent technique is the 'Twelve Heavenly Techniques.' It's a crucial practice for every disciple. The proficiency depends on individual talent and effort. Each of the four sections—Qian, Kun, Yin, and Yang—has its own technique. Qian specializes in the powerful 'Dragon-Slaying Sword Technique,' Kun has the renowned 'Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens' Sword Technique, Yin is famous for the 'Demon-Slaying Sword,' and my Yang section is known for the 'Blazing Sky Sword Technique.' You can choose, but not everyone gets their first choice. Yet, there's not much difference; with diligence, any path leads to the same mastery."

Lin Yunfeng was amazed. "I never knew Easy Garden had such diverse techniques. That's fantastic! I aim to learn the 'Demon-Slaying Sword' from Yin; the rest, I'll leave to the others. What about you, Lu Yun?"

Lu Yun casually smiled, "I'm open to anything. It doesn't matter much to me. The result will be known the day after tomorrow, won't it?"

Master Ziyang admired Lu Yun's disinterest. A detachment from desires aligned perfectly with Easy Garden's emphasis on inner cultivation. Pleased, Master Ziyang suggested, "Lu Yun, since Lin Yunfeng wants to learn the 'Demon-Slaying Sword' in the Yin section, why not join my Yang section and learn the 'Blazing Sky Sword Technique'? With your natural talent, you'll surely become one of the most outstanding individuals here. Consider it; there's no rush to decide. I won't say more. I've arranged accommodations for you; rest now."

Two days flew by, fostering a strong friendship between Lin Yunfeng and Lu Yun. They explored Easy Garden thoroughly, understanding its environment. By now, they had a general understanding—Easy Garden had over 1,300 students but only around 200 true disciples dedicated to cultivation.

On the appointed day, the twelve selected individuals, including Lin Yunfeng and Lu Yun, assembled in the Easy Sky Pavilion. Master Xuan Yu and the leaders of the four sections were already seated. The gazes of the five masters focused on Lin Yunfeng and Lu Yun, creating a moment of anticipation. While the other four looked at Lin Yunfeng, Master Xuan Yu examined Lu Yun curiously, sensing something peculiar. Although he couldn't pinpoint Lu Yun's cultivation, he found it odd. The scrutiny made Lu Yun uneasy, but he managed to conceal his essence.

Master Xuan Yu then initiated the selection process, asking everyone to write down their preferred sections, allowing a maximum of two choices. This gave the four section leaders the power to pick according to their criteria. Soon, the votes were in—four for Qian, four for Kun, seven for Yin, and seven for Yang. The two girls were selected by Kun, the disciple with the highest cultivation level by Qian, leaving three for Yin and four for Yang.

The selection completed, and Master Xuan Yu advised the chosen disciples, urging them to treasure the opportunity and strive diligently for their goals in the art of cultivation and chivalry.

Lu Yun was encouraged by Master Ziyang's praise and guidance. Lin Yunfeng, bidding farewell, expressed his aspirations for their future achievements, hoping to reunite in two years at the arena.

As they parted ways, Lin Yunfeng urged Lu Yun, "Work hard, and let's become heroes together. I'll come to visit you whenever I can. Stay strong; I'm waiting for you." With that, Lin Yunfeng left, leaving Lu Yun determined to excel in his path within Easy Garden.

"Luyun said solemnly, 'Rest assured, I won't disappoint you. I'll participate in the Six Academies Martial Arts Conference two years from now, for sure! Let's strive together, my friend.' Finishing his words, he glanced at Master Ziyang beside him, showing a hint of determination.

Master Ziyang's eyes displayed admiration as he chuckled, 'Good, that's the spirit. Let's go, back to the Yang Courtyard. Today, I'll impart the fundamental cultivation techniques of our Yigarden. Work hard from now on. I believe soon you'll catch up with those senior disciples.' With that said, he led the way, and Luyun followed closely, disappearing around the corner.

Back in the Yang Courtyard, Master Ziyang looked at the five newly recruited disciples with a smile, seeing the hope for the future. He spoke, 'As you may know, among our four courtyards, Qian (Heaven) Courtyard is ranked first, followed by Kun (Earth) Courtyard, while our Yang (Sun) Courtyard and Yin (Moon) Courtyard share the same level. Why is it so? The main reason is that the Qian and Kun courtyards always produce outstanding talents, leading every time, gaining all the glory for Yigarden in the cultivation world.

'However, for the past hundred years, our Yin and Yang courtyards have never produced any outstanding talents, hence always lagging behind and unable to compete. The cultivation techniques are the same for everyone – the fundamental 'Twelve Laws of Heaven' – which serve as the core. Despite different sword techniques, diligent cultivation can result in similar power levels. So, with dedication, we can catch up with them. I hope you all strive to surpass and bring glory to our Yang Courtyard. To allow you more practice time, I plan to start teaching you the basic techniques today. You should practice diligently to achieve mastery soon.'

Following this, Master Ziyang personally taught the five disciples the basic techniques. After they learned, he continued, 'Our sect's cultivation techniques are renowned, among the most mystical and superior in the realm. You must cultivate them diligently. Once you've mastered all twelve techniques, you'll have the chance to ascend as immortals, living eternally alongside heaven and earth. The 'Twelve Laws of Heaven' consists of two sets – the 'Six Laws of Heaven' and the 'Six Techniques of Movement,' collectively forming the Twelve Laws. The six laws focus on enhancing personal cultivation as a foundation for the six movement techniques. Thus, these six laws are crucial. As for what I've taught you today, it's the first law among the six. So, practice it earnestly. Once you've mastered all six laws, you'll essentially reach the stage of controlling elements. Now, go back and practice. I'll check your progress every ten days. Work hard.'

In his room, Luyun lay quietly on the bed, contemplating. Despite his swift progress after mastering the sixth tier of his ancestor's 'Infinite Universe' technique, he decided to follow through the basic techniques, as it was necessary for his current circumstances.

In the following ten days, Luyun indeed devoted himself to practice, making remarkable progress. He had already mastered the first technique. This day, Master Ziyang gathered them and took them to a large courtyard filled with numerous practitioners, all disciples of the Yang Courtyard, some appearing to be in their sixties or seventies, still diligently cultivating.

Luyun glanced around and immediately knew there were ninety-seven people present. Since reaching the sixth tier of his ancestor's 'Infinite Universe' technique, he could automatically sense various things and outcomes. This newfound ability delighted him, a profound and marvelous sensation. After all, his ancestor's creation of a six-thousand-year-old technique was unparalleled and the best in the world!

Master Ziyang glanced at the five disciples beside him, smiling lightly. 'All these here are disciples of our Yang Courtyard. Some are new disciples this year, while others have been learning for longer. They are all here to earnestly cultivate. Among them, we have many outstanding disciples who've reached a certain level and ventured into the world to cultivate and eradicate evil. These are disciples whose cultivation is insufficient or purely focused on enlightenment. I'm bringing you here today, hoping that after teaching you the complete 'Six Laws of Heaven' in the next three months, you'll practice here. If you're unsure, ask your senior brothers. If you make swift progress, you may learn the 'Six Techniques of Movement' from them. After three months, I'll evaluate your progress and devise individual cultivation plans. Work hard and remember, if you're uncertain, ask them. You might learn unexpected things from them.' With that said, Master Ziyang's eyes held a meaningful and mysterious look.

Luyun observed the others and sighed inwardly. Now he understood why many cultivation sects were strict in recruiting disciples. The path of cultivation was easy to start but hard to complete. If ascending to immortality were as simple as being determined and persevering, there would be countless immortals in the world, wouldn't there? But in reality, how many truly reached that level? Extremely few, a rarity indeed!"

"Time always passes by imperceptibly, quietly slipping away from our sides. Without a sound, without a ripple, it simply fades away in the blink of an eye. Over the course of three months, Luyun effortlessly mastered the 'Six Laws of Heaven' and stealthily acquired the seventh technique of the 'Twelve Laws of Heaven' from senior disciples, secretly practicing it.

The other four disciples who came with Luyun also made considerable progress, all mastering the fourth and fifth techniques, showcasing remarkable advancement. Comparatively, these five disciples were considered quite exceptional.

During the three months in the Yang Courtyard, Luyun learned quite a lot from the senior disciples. Most discussions centered around the historical events of Yigarden, especially regarding the Qian and Kun Courtyards. According to rumors, the most prominent part of Yigarden was the Qian and Kun Courtyards. For many years, two outstanding individuals emerged from the Qian Courtyard: Feng Yuanyang, who graduated sixty years ago, was renowned for securing the third position in the Six Academies Martial Arts Conference, bringing unparalleled honor to Yigarden.

The other was the current outstanding figure, Li Hongfei. He stood out among the disciples of this era, rivaling Zhang Aoxue from the Kun Courtyard, becoming a sensation in Yigarden and a pride for everyone. Reportedly, both had already mastered the 'Twelve Laws of Heaven' up to the ninth technique, a feat unprecedented, nearly reaching Feng Yuanyang's achievements.

Luyun pondered; he was determined to witness the prowess of these two exceptional individuals and their splendor. His thoughts also wandered to Lin Yunfeng. He wondered how much progress Lin Yunfeng had made in these three months, likely making rapid strides forward.

Walking out of the Yang Courtyard, Luyun strolled leisurely, observing the Yigarden scholars immersed in their studies, diligently devoted. This sight left him with a poignant impression. Perhaps, in the hearts of these scholars, there were no ulterior motives; they were earnestly focused on their studies, aspiring to benefit the world and its people. They were truly pure-hearted young scholars! For their purity, Luyun couldn't help but feel a profound sigh—it was a kind of persistence, a form of happiness, wasn't it?

Quietly gazing at the sky filled with white clouds, Luyun lay down on the grass outside the garden, silently contemplating. In the distance, a figure slowly approached him, and the person's eyes held a glimmer of divinity.

Luyun's expression changed, but he quickly regained composure, quietly gazing at the flowing clouds in the sky. Master Xuanyu silently appeared next to him and softly spoke, 'Have you observed anything while gazing here alone?'

Startled, Luyun hastily stood up and said, 'Senior Master, I didn't expect your visit. Please forgive my impoliteness.'

Master Xuan Yu looked at him and smiled, 'No need for formality. Let's sit and talk. I, too, often lie here alone, contemplating while watching the clouds. Did you have any thoughts or feelings during your observation?'

Luyun softly replied, 'Watching the flowing clouds, my mind was calm, reminiscing about many past events. The path of cultivation is full of wonders, yet it has brought me much hardship. Throughout thousands of years, how many have truly ascended to immortality? Among the countless people practicing cultivation, what are their real motives? Is it for physical strength, for fame and fortune, for righteous deeds, or the pursuit of eternal life? Perhaps many people are blindly following others into cultivation, but is that truly what they desire in the end?'

Master Xuan Yu gazed at the sky, smiling gently, 'Everyone has different dreams and aspirations. The path of cultivation is arduous, yet it brings something positive to those who practice. Some aspire to be righteous and serve the people, hence they cultivate to enhance their abilities for the greater good. Some seek eternal life and see cultivation as their only path. Others may have selfish desires and utilize cultivation to gain power for their own purposes. Then, there are those who are merely curious and thus choose this path. Have you thought about what drives you?'

Luyun glanced into the distance and softly responded, 'I came, perhaps for a wish.' It was a brief statement with no further explanation.

Master Xuan Yu chuckled, 'You're quite unique. Seeing you today, I notice a significant difference from over three months ago. At this moment, your cultivation has advanced considerably, even mastering the first six techniques of the 'Twelve Laws of Heaven.' Achieving this in a hundred days has truly set a new record for Yigarden. If Master Ziyang discovers this, he will undoubtedly be overjoyed with his initial choice. Keep striving; I hope to see your presence soon at the Six Academies Martial Arts Conference.' With that, Master Xuan Yu stood up and departed.

Watching him leave, Luyun's eyes revealed a trace of contemplation. There seemed to be a hidden meaning in his words, but Luyun couldn't decipher it for the moment. Gently closing his eyes, he contemplated the idea that everything unfolds as destined, so why worry excessively? Cultivators believe in going with the flow; isn't that so? Being overly attached won't yield any results."