In the courtyard, Zhang Yao calmed his feelings, sensing the changes after achieving Great Success in the Taiyi Pile Skill.
This time, the changes in his body were much more obvious than the last, especially the emergence of that warm current in his chest and abdomen.
"What exactly is this? True Qi, Inner Strength?"
Zhang Yao attempted to explore the characteristics of this warm current, but he didn't gain much insight.
His thoughts couldn't actively control the warm current wandering in his chest and abdomen, he could only exert a slight influence.
Besides making his body warm and comfortable, this warm current didn't seem to have any additional effects.
"No, there's definitely some mystery in this that I don't understand."
Thinking of this, Zhang Yao couldn't help but sigh.
If he were still in Qingping Palace, he could consult Lord Guanlu for guidance.
Unfortunately, that night's drastic change shattered his old life, and he could never go back.
"I'll continue exploring tomorrow."
After washing up, Zhang Yao returned to his bedroom and went to bed early.
The next day.
After getting up, Zhang Yao was surprised to find that it was still dark outside.
"Almost an hour earlier than usual..."
His heart moved, and after some activity, he immediately noticed something different.
His energy was very vigorous, even after only sleeping for two hours, he was still full of spirit, showing no signs of fatigue.
Moreover, when he practiced a set of the Twenty-four Bear Pole Forms, he found that the warm current in his chest and abdomen flowed with his movements, greatly reducing his physical exertion.
However, at the same time, after completing the set of Twenty-four Bear Pole Forms, the warm current in his chest and abdomen seemed to have reduced by about one-third.
"This inexplicable warm current might be called Activated Blood and Qi."
A trace of excitement surged in Zhang Yao's heart.
With the help of this Activated Blood and Qi, combined with his Essence Qi Transformation Talent, his martial arts training speed could further increase.
Furthermore, judging by the experience at the early stage Pillar technique, this Activated Blood and Qi itself should also strengthen his muscles and physique.
"After achieving Great Success in the Pillar technique, there has indeed been a qualitative change."
Zhang Yao was in a very good mood:
"From today on, I can temporarily stop the Taiyi Pile Skill and focus entirely on cultivating the Golden Furnace Technique."
......
One hour later.
"Junior Brother Zhang!"
Just as Zhang Yao arrived at the Golden Furnace Martial Arts Hall, Zhang Yannian called out to him.
"The master wants to see you."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Zhang Yao couldn't help but be a bit surprised.
After joining the Golden Furnace Martial Arts Hall, he only received personal guidance from Zhou An for the first three days.
After those three days, he could only see Zhang Yannian or Meng Zongwei, and never again saw this nominal master.
"Brother Zhang, what's the master looking for me for?"
Zhang Yao asked.
Zhang Yannian responded with a cheerful smile: "You'll find out when you go."
"...Alright."
Thinking for a moment, Zhang Yao couldn't figure out the reason, so he followed Zhang Yannian and stepped into the inner courtyard of the martial arts hall once more.
Soon, he met Hall Master Zhou An in the main hall.
"Master."
Zhang Yao bowed with respect and heard Zhou An's gentle voice: "No need for formalities, sit down, let's talk."
"Yes, Master."
After Zhang Yao sat down, Zhou An looked him over and asked, "How is your progress in the Golden Furnace Technique?"
"Thanks to your blessing, Master, my progress is not slow..."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou An finally got to the point: "Zhang Yao, I invited you here today to ask you something."
He looked at Zhang Yao, a hint of inquiry in his gaze: "From whom did you inherit your Health Maintenance Stance? Or is it passed down in your family?"
"Well..."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao showed a hint of hesitation.
Seeing this, Zhou An immediately added: "If it's inconvenient to answer, you don't have to. I won't force you."
After a moment of silence, Zhang Yao chose to tell the truth.
Qingping Palace had already fallen, and he couldn't hide his true identity forever. Besides, it wasn't something worth hiding.
As a hall master renowned for the Vajra Divine Fist, it was unlikely he'd covet his Taiyi Pile Skill, right?
And even if he did, passing it on seemed inconsequential.
"I was once a Daoist Child at Qingping Palace."
As soon as he spoke, both Zhou An and Zhang Yannian were taken aback: "You're from Qingping Palace in Lotus Village?"
After a moment's hesitation, Zhou An said: "But I heard that Qingping Palace was taken over by rebel forces, and there were no survivors..."
"The information is incorrect."
Zhang Yao explained briefly: "I was from the Pill Furnace Hall at Qingping Palace, and I managed to escape when it happened."
"I wandered around and after reaching Changping, I concealed my identity and kept quiet."
"As for whether anyone else from the palace survived, I don't know."
"I see..."
Zhou An and Zhang Yannian glanced at each other, stroking his beard. "So your Health Maintenance Stance is a tradition from Qingping Palace, that makes sense."
"The Sea View Palace Master of Qingping Palace was also a renowned expert. I once met him."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao's expression shifted slightly: "You've met the Old Palace Master?"
"Yes."
Zhou An nodded: "About ten years ago, when I left Changping City for business, I happened to meet the Sea View Palace Master."
"He was a True Cultivator with Perfection in Inner Martial Arts, and his Taiyi Splitting Light Sword was unrivaled; his strength surpassed mine by a notch."
Hearing this, Zhang Yao couldn't help but ask: "With such great strength, how could the Old Palace Master be killed by rebel forces?"
These days, he had tried to investigate the incident of the rebel forces, but didn't gather much.
Lotus Village was three or four dozen miles from here, so most information was based on hearsay and rumors, and the heat of the incident had long passed.
"Alas..."
At this, Zhou An sighed: "Battle arrays are perilous. Without great armor or protection from Horizontal Refining of Hard Skills, even the best martial arts can't ensure safety."
"Moreover, those rebels were actually elite border troops from the Feihu Pass to the west—well-disciplined and fiercely powerful, unlike ordinary rebel forces."
"Because the Court delayed their pay for years and they were oppressed by their superiors, they rebelled in anger after killing their officer, leading to various tragedies..."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao finally understood.
Qingping Palace indeed wasn't weak; this was personally acknowledged by Zhou An.
But those rebels were elite border troops, numerous, and attacked by night, catching Qingping Palace unprepared, leading to its doom.
"Alas..."
Zhang Yao could only sigh: "Such is fate, what can one do."
Looking at Zhang Yao, Zhou An showed a hint of apology, saying: "That was my fault, I shouldn't have abruptly inquired about your martial arts background and opened your wounds..."
"You flatter me, Master."
Zhang Yao shook his head, not saying much more.
Zhou An looked at him, his eyes glimmering, pondering silently.
It was clear that Zhang Yao wasn't from any noble family, and the origin of his Health Maintenance Stance was now evident, leaving no questions.
Clearly, after narrowly escaping death during the Qingping Palace incident, he was driven by the desire to intensely practice martial arts, making sense of the suspicions from before and after.
"Zhang Yao."
Finally making up his mind, Zhou An said warmly: "Your talent is extraordinary, and your character and perseverance in martial arts truly resonate with me."
"Would you be willing to formally become my disciple?"