Chapter 179: The Subtlety of Yixuan

Chapter 179: The Subtlety of Yixuan

"Sister Xiaoyun… In broad daylight, are you planning something inappropriate?"

Su Mo widened his eyes, looking incredulously at the sneaky Yang Xiaoyun.

Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback by his words and, after seriously considering for a moment, said:

"If it’s justified, can it really be considered taking advantage?"

"..."

She had a point!

Su Mo thought, meeting the parents has changed things.

But it shouldn’t progress this quickly, right?

"Stop talking nonsense and follow me," Yang Xiaoyun said, pulling Su Mo to the bedside.

Su Mo gasped, "Isn’t this a bit rushed?"

"Not at all."

Yang Xiaoyun said, "Martial arts training requires patience."

"Martial arts?"

Su Mo was stunned, "You’re going to teach me the Yixuan Divine Skill?"

"How did you know?"

Yang Xiaoyun was even more surprised, "Did Dad tell you?"

"He didn’t... It’s pretty obvious."

Su Mo said with a bitter smile, "I thought you were making a move on me. I got all excited for nothing."

"What are you talking about!?"

Yang Xiaoyun rolled her eyes, "Xiao Mo, don’t rush things before we’re married!"

"I thought you were eager."

"I’m not in a hurry, not at all."

Yang Xiaoyun spat and then asked, "How did you know I was going to teach you the Yixuan Divine Skill?"

"Just a guess."

Su Mo said, "That night, Uncle Yang specially called you out. It was late at night, and he wasn’t sleeping. It was so secretive; he must have been teaching you some skills so I wouldn’t be able to bully you in the future.

"You already know the Great Upper Xuan Scripture. Needless to say, the Azure Dragon Eight Desolations Spear.

"The Glimpse of Splendor Hands can’t be shown to others. Counting on his fingers, the only thing Uncle Yang could teach you would be the Yixuan Divine Skill, and he must have instructed you not to use Yixuan Tian Gang unless in a life-or-death situation."

"You’re incredibly sharp."

Yang Xiaoyun was momentarily speechless. Although she knew that Su Mo could discern the significant from the trivial, it was still a bit too much that he could know everything as soon as she started.

She took Su Mo's hand.

"So, are you going to study it or not?"

Su Mo thought for a moment. "The **Yixuan Divine Art** is no ordinary skill. Tell me about it first, and then I'll decide whether to practice it or not."

"Alright, listen carefully."

Even though she was in the room, Yang Xiaoyun spoke in a low voice as she recited from memory.

The **Yixuan Divine Art** had very few internal techniques, with only a meager five hundred characters. In a short while, Yang Xiaoyun had finished reciting it once.

Su Mo's martial arts skills were already incomparable to what they had been in the past. His understanding and knowledge of martial arts far surpassed those of ordinary people.

As the verses entered his ears, he already had a clear understanding in his heart.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Su Mo nodded slightly. "Uncle Yang was not wrong. The **Yixuan Divine Art** is indeed extraordinary.

"However, when it comes to the general principles of all martial arts under heaven, I wonder if it's a bit exaggerated..."

"Hmm?"

Yang Xiaoyun asked with a smile, "So, are you going to practice it or not?"

"Of course."

Su Mo flipped onto the bed, sat cross-legged, and pinched two fingers in front of him. His inner energy was already activated, following the natural course, and he began to move along the route of the **Yixuan Divine Art**.

Seeing this, Yang Xiaoyun fell silent and stood solemnly by his side.

Suddenly, a fierce gale began to swirl around Su Mo.

Yang Xiaoyun was startled and hurriedly looked at Su Mo, hearing the sound of a dragon's roar emanating from his limbs. Following that, the sound of a massive bell emerged, astonishingly loud.

The change left her momentarily tense.

When she practiced the **Yixuan Divine Art**, there had never been such a spectacle.

At that moment, suddenly, a wave of heat spread out from Su Mo's body.

Upon closer inspection, it was merely a sensation, as the air remained unchanged.

Yet, in her perception, it was as if a towering, scorching sun were sitting on the bed.

The dragon's roar, the sound of the massive bell, and the radiant sunlight eventually merged into one.

Then, as Su Mo pressed his palms together, all the strange noises disappeared.

Only Su Mo opened his eyes and, with a thought, extended his palm.

He clearly used the **Great Open Yang Scattering Palm**.

This palm was not only extremely powerful but also carried the heat of a blazing sun, as if a towering sun were right before him.

"The **Radiant Sun Heart Sutra**?"

Yang Xiaoyun naturally knew what yang-based cultivation methods Su Mo possessed. However, even though Su Mo had reached the perfection stage of the Radiant Sun Heart Technique, he shouldn't be able to exhibit such overwhelming power.

Su Mo retracted his palm and nodded slightly. "It's not just the Radiant Sun Heart Technique anymore. The Yixuan Divine Art boosts the inner cultivation techniques of our school, making them truly remarkable.

"This divine art really does have the essence of the pinnacle of martial arts.

"The martial arts I've learned, including both internal and external training, can be categorized into three types... but it is through this one art that I've managed to combine the three into one.

"Although it's only an initial integration, its exceptional quality is already apparent."

"Combine into one?"

Yang Xiaoyun looked startled. "I thought the Yixuan Divine Art could only enhance inner cultivation techniques and increase internal strength? How can it have such a miraculous effect?"

Su Mo shook his head. "That, I don't know...

"However, I do feel that the Yixuan Divine Art is far from as simple as it seems.

"This inner energy technique seems to have a lingering aspect to it."

"Lingering... which stage have you reached?"

"The fifth stage."

"!!"

Yang Xiaoyun's eyes widened in shock. "The Yixuan Divine Art only has five stages, and you've reached the peak in such a short time?"

"Yes."

Su Mo nodded. "But Sis Xiaoyun, you don't need to be so surprised. The reason I could advance so quickly isn't due to my aptitude or insight. It's because of the depth of my inner cultivation techniques.

"At my level of inner cultivation techniques, no matter what martial art I practice, my cultivation speed far exceeds that of ordinary practitioners."

"...That's still incredibly fast."

Yang Xiaoyun pouted. "I barely managed to reach the beginner stage after a night of practice, and since then, I've been secretly practicing every night on the way back. Even now, I'm just about to break through the first stage. I consider myself to be faster than Uncle Su and Father were in their prime.

"And you, in just a short time, have already reached the fifth stage.

"Your martial arts are becoming more and more incomprehensible to me... is the Heaven and Earth Grand Wonder Technique really that miraculous?"

Earlier, Su Mo had made up a martial art called the Heaven and Earth Grand Wonder Technique to explain things to her.

He claimed it was taught to him by an unusual master.

Su Mo smiled and said, "The Heaven and Earth Grand Wonder Technique might be unique under heaven and earth. At the very least, I can't recite or transcribe this technique. Whenever I try, my mind becomes empty.

"I imagine that unless one reaches a certain level, it's impossible to teach this technique to others.

"However, there are some techniques I've learned that you can see."

"I've already learned the Divine Transformation of a Hundred Variations," Yang Xiaoyun said.

"But during your fight with the Heaven Gate Master, what technique did you use?"

"That's a protective art called the Golden Bell Cover," Su Mo replied.

Su Mo simply recited the incantation of the Golden Bell Shield to Yang Xiaoyun. After hearing just a couple of lines, she hurriedly shook her head:

"No, no, this method, although powerful, isn't suitable for me. Little Mo, stop right away. If I listen too closely... it'll only hinder my cultivation of the Great Upper Xuan Scripture. It would be like giving up the essentials for the trivial."

Su Mo couldn't help but smile and gently took Sister Xiaoyun's hand: "The fact that you have such considerations already puts you above countless others, Sister Xiaoyun.

"This Golden Bell Shield technique, though formidable, is extremely difficult to master. I was able to fully comprehend the entire text through the Heavenly Great Secret Art and immediately gained the skill.

"Otherwise, this one skill alone would be sufficient for me to cultivate my entire life."

"That's true..."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded: "This skill of yours is only suitable for you. However, when you say the Yixuan Spirit Art still leaves you unsatisfied, could it be that what Father and Uncle Su learned back in the day still wasn't the complete text?"

"It’s hard to say," Su Mo replied. "Although nine is the ultimate number, and most orthodox martial arts peak at the ninth level, there are some skills that don't follow this rule. The Yixuan Spirit Art is profound and difficult to fathom; its depth is indeed hard to determine."

"That's true as well..."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded.

Su Mo thought for a moment, then suddenly said: "Actually, I have another martial art that I intend to pass on to the disciples in the escort agency."

"Hmm?"

Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback: "Why the sudden thought of passing on your skills?"

"Time waits for no one, ah!" Su Mo sighed. "You've heard what Uncle Yang said. The storm hasn't fallen on our heads at present, but it's only a matter of time.

"Uncle Yang's ideas are too idealistic; the outcome might not be as good as we hope.

"Our future opponents are far from being as simple as common bandits. They're not organizations like the Fallen Phoenix League either.

"A single member of the Three Extremes Sect, the Heaven Gate Lord, already possesses such formidable skills. I can hardly imagine what kind of experts are behind them.

"In fact, if these people were to appear directly in front of us, that would be manageable.

"With my current skills, though I wouldn’t claim to be unbeatable, I’m not afraid of anyone in a direct confrontation.

"What worries me is if they strike from behind, using schemes with unknown intentions.

"The interplay between reality and illusion is always hard to discern and impossible to fully guard against.

"So... I need to make the people around me as strong as possible, as much as possible.

"When the storm arrives, at least they won’t scatter at the first sign of trouble or wilt at the first blow."

After hearing his words, Yang Xiaoyun nodded: "So, that’s why you’re now willing to get involved with the Fallen Phoenix League."

"Exactly," Su Mo nodded.

"Alright, if you have this intention, I’ll support you," Yang Xiaoyun said with a smile. "However, passing on your skills is a serious matter and shouldn’t be rushed."

"Sister Xiaoyun, what do you think?"

Su Mo asked.

Yang Xiaoyun was about to speak, but after glancing at Su Mo, she raised her eyebrows.

"I suspect you already have a plan in mind, don't you? Now you're asking for my opinion, but are you just trying to hear my shallow views and then mock me?"

"How could I dare to do such a thing?"

Su Mo immediately protested, "I've always listened to you the most."

"That’s not true."

Yang Xiaoyun gave Su Mo a sideways glance.

"However, this matter is indeed unusual. You can listen to what I have to say, but ultimately, you have your own judgments in everything. If you think what I say is wrong, just follow your own ideas.

"It's not unprecedented for an escort agency to pass down martial arts to disciples.

"However, when passing down martial arts to disciples, there must be a clear reason.

"It's not as simple as joining the escort agency and automatically gaining access to the inheritance of martial arts.

"At the very least, they need to formally become your disciples, enter your school, and perform the traditional ceremonies of kneeling and offering tea, with no room for carelessness.

"Since our escort agency is named 'Ziyang,' you should consult with the Purple Sun Sect about this matter.

"Although your martial arts surpass those of the Purple Sun Sect, your reputation is significant, so you can't act recklessly.

"After consulting, you need to clarify whether the martial arts you intend to teach are part of the Purple Sun Sect lineage.

"If they are, and the Purple Sun Sect refuses, you cannot pass down those martial arts.

"If they agree, it will be a win-win situation.

"If they are not from the Purple Sun Sect lineage, as long as you make it clear to them, they won't raise objections.

"But you must ensure there's no room for misunderstanding or conflict to avoid any discord with the Purple Sun Sect."

Hearing this, Su Mo nodded repeatedly. "Sister Xiaoyun, you're absolutely right."

"Additionally, if you decide to take on disciples, you need to carefully assess their character.

"You must clearly inform the escort agency's martial artists.

"You are selecting individuals to join your school, not indiscriminately spreading your teachings. This way, you can prevent disputes from arising.

"The teacher selects the student, and the student also chooses the teacher. It's a mutual choice. Those who are willing to kneel and enter your school will do so, and those who aren't, won't receive your martial teachings. They won't be able to complain.

"In fact, this can motivate the escort agency's martial artists to contribute more to the agency, striving to join your school."

Yang Xiaoyun paused for a moment. "There are also some additional details..."

As she continued to explain, she laid out all the details and various aspects thoroughly.

Su Mo realized that even if he wanted to pass down martial arts, it wasn't as simple as having disciples kneel and offer tea.

The escort agency is ultimately a business, and if you want to teach the martial artists, there are many considerations to be made.

In this regard, Su Mo's understanding was somewhat limited.

Yang Xiaoyun really needed to help refine this.

After integrating Su Mo's own ideas, the two of them spent the entire afternoon in discussion without a break until they finally finalized the plan.

The martial art Su Mo intended to teach the escort guards was the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill.

After discussing it, they decided that once this trip to the Purple Sun Gate was over, they would begin teaching the guards at the Ziyang Escort Agency.

However, they would only teach the first level.

To gain access to further levels of the technique, the guards would need to formally become his disciples, signifying their entry as Su Mo's formal apprentices.

As they talked, the sun began to set.

Just as Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were about to conclude their discussion, they heard footsteps outside the door.

Standing up, Su Mo went to open the door and saw a maid approaching hurriedly.

Seeing Su Mo, the maid's face turned red for a moment, seemingly blushing, before speaking in a low voice:

"Chief Escort, Deputy Chief... Liu Mo has returned, and Uncle Fu sent me to inform you that he has brought quite a few people with him."

After both exchanged glances, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun immediately headed out.

They arrived at the courtyard's training ground and indeed saw a group of people chatting and laughing.

Liu Mo stepped forward:

"Chief Escort, during this trip, I made some decisions on my own and ask for your forgiveness."

"Oh?"

Su Mo smiled: "And what decisions did you make, Liu Mo?"

"On this trip back to Sunset City, I originally planned to formally bid farewell to my old employer. As you know, the internal strife in the Heavenly Blade Sect left me with no time to handle these minor issues.

"Now that I have returned, I couldn't keep avoiding them.

"Since the head manager was also there, I took the opportunity to explain the situation while having tea with him, officially parting ways with the Wanxin Trading Company on good terms.

"However, when I went to say goodbye to the old comrades, many of them expressed a desire to join the Ziyang Escort Agency with me.

"I made it clear to them that I am just a regular escort, and I haven't officially taken up my post yet.

"Whether the Chief Escort would accept them was still uncertain.

"I told them that if they genuinely wanted to join the agency, they should come on their own.

"But they said that they had tried to come before... yet, since the Chief Escort is elusive, the people at the agency didn't dare to make decisions on your behalf.

"Now that I have officially become an escort, I decided to bring them along to help them."

"This matter was not reported to the Head Escort in advance, and it might be seen as overstepping. I humbly request the Head Escort's punishment."

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Su Mo laughed and patted Liu Brother on the shoulder, saying, "Liu Brother, what kind of talk is this? The Ziyang Escort Agency is in dire need of recruits as we are reviving.

"However, the Ziyang Escort Agency is currently a target of many eyes, and I am worried that someone might play dirty tricks on us, which is why we have been hesitant to officially open our doors.

"The brothers you have brought with you have all traveled to Wufangji together.

"We couldn't be happier to welcome you now that you have come to my Ziyang Escort Agency.

"But I must warn you in advance..."

As he said this, he looked at the guards.

When they heard this, they straightened up instinctively, awaiting Su Mo's words.

Su Mo smiled. "Of course, I am more than happy to welcome you all."

"However, the escort agency is not the same as the guard team. As those who walk the rivers and lakes, we live by our reputation, and our rules are stricter than those of the guard team.

"Once you join, you must strictly observe the rules. If anyone violates them, don't blame me if I have to enforce the rules without regard to past friendships."

"Of course."

"We will follow the Head Escort's orders."

"Has the Head Escort agreed to take us in?"

When they heard Su Mo's words, they immediately patted their chests, guaranteeing that they would follow the rules.

Seeing this, Su Mo laughed. "Very well, from now on, we are colleagues sharing the same pot.

"Come, come, tonight we happen to have a grand feast. Let's drink until we can't stand!"

Uncle Fu had been preparing for an entire afternoon, and upon hearing Su Mo's words, he immediately had the tables set.

Food and wine flowed like water, and after eating and drinking for a while, Su Mo suddenly remembered that Zhen Xiaoxiao was still sleeping in her room.

When she was called out and began eating voraciously, it shocked everyone present.

They were afraid that if the girl got too excited, she might grab someone nearby and shove them into her mouth as well..."