Chapter 9: The Seven-Star Sword Formation

After officially becoming a disciple, Wang Sheng finally began living the Dao cultivation life that he had always dreamed of.

I have techniques, a master, and the ideal environment for cultivation. What reason do I have to not put in the effort?

Each morning, Wang Sheng would wake up, stretch, and practice the fist or palm techniques that his master had taught him. He would then join his master and senior sister in front of the courtyard gate, where they faced the lush forest and meditated with their eyes closed.

On his first attempt at meditation, Wang Sheng sat for over two hours, much to Qing Yanzi's surprise. Afterward, Qing Yanzi gently reminded him not to push too hard. Meditation, he explained, was about connecting with the elements of nature—not a test of endurance or a competition.

Hence, Wang Sheng started from the basics. From half an hour, he gradually increased his meditation time, during which even a brief reflection on the sect's techniques would draw him in. Before he knew it, he had become fully immersed in practice.

Wang Sheng felt as though he was experiencing a sweet rain after a long drought.

Once they were done meditating, he and his senior sister would clean the house from top to bottom, do the laundry, and handle small chores until lunchtime. After eating and taking a short nap came the part of the day that Wang Sheng looked forward to the most: martial training.

To be more precise, they practiced martial arts for self-defense.

Back when the primal qi of heaven and earth still existed, cultivators sought truth and strove to comprehend the Great Dao. They practiced Daoist arts and techniques to protect themselves, uphold the Dao, and walk the path of righteousness.

The core that Daoists nurtured represented their cultivation level. Flying on clouds, summoning rain, creating soldiers from beans, drawing talismans, and refining pills were all Daoist arts.

Due to the vast Daoist tradition, Daoist arts flourished for a time, including techniques, Qimen Dunjia, the Eight Trigrams, formations, talismans, alchemy, and artifact crafting. Today, even though primal qi had been missing for a thousand years, many Daoist arts were still frequently mentioned, such as Five-Ghost Summoning, moving mountains, creating soldiers from beans, flying on clouds, and many others.

Outside the Daoist tradition were countless other cultivation schools. Some even taught the arts of using

Gu

[1] poison, witchcraft, and shamanism.

For reasons unknown, the primal qi on Earth gradually dried up. Without this essential resource, Daoist arts became mere formalities. The only exceptions were talismans and specific fringe techniques, which retained real power.

Only the ancient sects of sacred Daoist mountains and old noble families still had somewhat complete Daoist traditions. With the loss of primal qi, cultivators sought new ways to protect themselves. They expanded and refined the close-combat aspects of Daoist arts, giving rise to Daoist martial arts.

After dinner, his senior sister's routine was to watch some TV and then head to bed, while Wang Sheng would sit under a small lamp reading books.

He began by reading their sect's core scripture, then moved on to the

Dao De Jing

[2] and several commentaries on it.

According to Qing Yanzi's plan, Wang Sheng was not only required to study a hundred Daoist texts but also read classic literary works to cultivate his character and temperament.

Wang Sheng quickly finished copying the

Pure Yang Scripture

—the core of his sect's teachings—into a notebook that he had bought from the market below. He would hold it close as he slept every night, carefully savoring its words before drifting off.

Whenever Wang Sheng had new insights, he would discuss them with his master. Qing Yanzi would share his perspectives, pleased with Wang Sheng's diligent efforts and progress.

A month after he had officially joined, Wang Sheng finished memorizing the scriptures and fully mastered the beginner fist art.

His ability to grasp the techniques so quickly surprised Qing Yanzi a little.

Wang Sheng's rapid progress in martial arts wasn't without reason. To begin with, he had over ten years of self-taught cultivation experience. Moreover, he had Qing Yanzi's guidance, regular bone adjustments, and meridian activations. To top it all off, the peaceful environment of the mountain allowed him to focus entirely on his training.

Wang Sheng's diligence played a big part in his progress as well.

One afternoon, as a refreshing breeze swept through the mountains, Qing Yanzi summoned Mu Wanxuan and Wang Sheng to the courtyard.

"Your junior brother has been on the mountain for over two months now. Starting today, I'll begin teaching him some Daoist techniques. Little Xuan, test his skills for me."

"

Mm!

" Mu Wanxuan nodded lightly and then walked to the side. With her hands folded behind her back, she faced Wang Sheng with a serious expression.

Wang Sheng hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say.

Although the Fairy Bu Yu would one day enter the top ten on the Immortal Rankings, Wang Sheng felt hesitant to make a move against his small and delicate senior sister. However, since his master had commanded it, he decided to focus and give it his all.

He widened his stance and lowered his center of gravity. He then cupped his hands toward his senior sister. "Senior Sister, please guide me."

"

Mm.

"

Mu Wanxuan's Tai Chi opening move seemed soft and gentle. Controlling his breathing and muscles, Wang Sheng executed the Eight-Trigram Dragon Step, a technique that he had only begun to grasp a few days prior. With a few quick movements, he reached Mu Wanxuan and attempted to hit her shoulder.

Mu Wanxuan blinked. She raised her left hand so slowly and effortlessly that Wang Sheng could clearly see it, yet his palm seemed to drift into her grasp on its own and without resistance.

Mu Wanxuan gently guided his wrist aside and then shifted her body with minimal effort.

Wang Sheng's balance wavered. He stumbled forward uncontrollably until her small hand pressed lightly against his chest.

At first, her hand felt soft and light. Wang Sheng even thought his senior sister was going easy on him. However, a sudden, incomprehensible force coursed through him, hurling him to the side.

Even more remarkable was that the force, which should have injured him, dispersed throughout his body in midair. He landed on his backside without much pain.

For someone her age to have such Tai Chi mastery and such precise internal qi control...

Wang Sheng felt a bit disheartened at first, but he quickly recovered and jumped to his feet, scratching his head sheepishly.

"I'm no match against you, Senior Sister."

Mu Wanxuan pursed her lips, her eyes showing a hint of concern. She then quickly shook her head.

From the side, Qing Yanzi calmly said, "Little Xuan, don't bully your junior brother like that. He's just started. Use some simpler techniques."

"

Mm!

" Mu Wanxuan obediently replied.

She stood a few meters away, waiting for Wang Sheng to get back up. Afterward, she once again assumed her stance, but this time, she took the initiative to move forward.

Though she took just three steps, Wang Sheng instantly recognized the movements as footwork imbued with the essence of the Dao of the Eight Trigrams. It was far more profound than the basic Eight-Trigram Dragon Step that he had just learned.

Wang Sheng lunged forward, but before he could hit her, Mu Wanxuan vanished like a drifting butterfly. He instinctively tried to turn, but before he was halfway around, a soft tap landed on his shoulder from behind. He spun again, faster this time—almost wrenching his back—only to feel another tap in the exact same spot.

What the...

His eyes darted around, but he couldn't even catch a glimpse of his senior sister, let alone graze the hem of her robe. All he kept finding was the faint whisper of wind at his back.

A few minutes later, Wang Sheng crouched on the ground, sighing in resignation. Defeat clung to him, and an air of self-pity radiated from his slouched form.

𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Qing Yanzi stood nearby, his eyes narrowing with amusement as he suppressed a laugh, mindful of his image as a dignified master.

Mu Wanxuan, who hadn't allowed Wang Sheng to so much as brush the edge of her robe, squatted beside him and gently ruffled his short hair.

"Senior Sister..." Wang Sheng sighed heavily, his head hanging low. "If I ever get bullied in the future, you have to stand up for me."

Mu Wanxuan nodded thoughtfully, patting her flat chest a few times with determination.

Although Wang Sheng already knew that his master and senior sister were at a near-legendary level, he still found it hard to accept that there was such a huge gap between him and his same-age senior sister.

Now that I have the right conditions, I'll rise and push forward! I'll chase her tirelessly until the day I can finally touch the hem of her robe!

"Alright, come here. Today, I'll teach you a formation that rivals your senior sister's Dual-Polarity Trigram," Qing Yanzi said warmly.

Wang Sheng shot up like a coiled spring, rushing over with eager anticipation.

Qing Yanzi strolled to the corner of the courtyard and picked up three branches, which he had set aside earlier. He handed one to Wang Sheng, casually tossed another to Mu Wanxuan, and kept the last for himself. Afterward, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

"About a thousand years ago, when the world still brimmed with primal qi for cultivation, this sword formation was recognized as one of the most advanced Daoist arts. It was used to slay demons, safeguard the Dao, and protect oneself. Watch carefully—I'll demonstrate it."

Qing Yanzi reversed his grip on the branch and formed a sword finger gesture with his left hand. His entire demeanor shifted dramatically.

"The formation I'm about to show you is called the Seven-Star Sword Formation! When I use it, this very branch shall embody the power of the Seven-Star Sword!"

Qing Yanzi began to move fluidly across the courtyard, his robes billowing with each step. As he glided through the forms, faint glimmers of blades seemed to dance and flicker in the air as though the very wind was bearing witness to his skill.

His feet traced the pattern of the Big Dipper's seven stars, constantly aligning his movements with the constellation. Even though he was only holding a tree branch, each strike carried the force of a thousand fierce winds, swirling and roaring around him.

"This formation focuses on fluid movements and intricate footwork. When fully mastered, it allows one to become invisible while the sword lingers in their mind. As the Big Dipper descends, all demons are swept away! Watch carefully! What you see now are merely sword phantasms!"

With a soft shout, Qing Yanzi flickered past Wang Sheng, leaving behind seven phantasms suspended in the air. Each followed a different move from the Seven-Star Sword Formation. Though their movements appeared distinct, they aligned perfectly with the paths of the Big Dipper's stars!

As Qing Yanzi executed the seventh sword movement, all phantasms surged forward simultaneously, the tips of their branches converging at a single point. Along with a loud crack, small, visible whirlwinds began to swirl around the courtyard!

How is that even possible?! Is primal qi already present in the air? How is Master pulling this off?!

The seven phantasms converged into one, the resulting shadow exuding a profound and mysterious aura.

Wang Sheng stared at the sword-dancing Qing Yanzi as if he were witnessing something out of this world. At first, he marveled at Qing Yanzi's skill, silently offering praise. Before long, however, his praises crumbled into a series of "What the fuck?"

By the time Qing Yanzi left his sword stance, Wang Sheng had been reduced to a dazed mess. He had hoped to memorize the entire formation, but all that lingered in his mind were the breathtaking seven phantasms.

"Did you catch the moves properly?" Qing Yanzi asked from the side.

Wang Sheng smiled in embarrassment, while his senior sister nodded thoughtfully.

"Don't rush," Qing Yanzi added. "If you can grasp even a small part of this sword formation within three years, you'll be considered a rare talent."

He then turned his back to Wang Sheng. "Come. We'll start by breaking down the basic moves. Watch my movements closely. The starting stance should feel effortless yet controlled..."

Wang Sheng quickly brushed aside any unnecessary thoughts and poured all his focus on his master's movements.

He tried to mimic them as closely as possible. No matter how profound a Daoist martial art or technique was, it would always start with memorizing the mantras and mastering the basic forms. Only by laying this foundation could one truly comprehend and make the technique their own.

Deep down, Wang Sheng was competitive. He could accept that, for now, he was no match for his senior sister, but he had no intention of staying behind her forever.

I have to protect my adorable senior sister!

While Wang Sheng was practicing the Seven-Star Sword Formation, Qing Yanzi suddenly told Mu Wanxuan, "Little Xuan, just watch for now. Don't get ahead of yourself; you haven't fully grasped the Dual-Polarity Trigram yet. Remember, trying to take on too much at once will only weaken your foundation."

"

Mm!

" Mu Wanxuan responded softly, but she still practiced with total dedication.

With nothing but three branches in hand, the master and his two disciples practiced an intricate sword formation in the small, weathered courtyard at the back of the Wudang Mountains.

As the branches swayed and danced through the air, Wang Sheng's years of self-taught cultivation proved their worth. By the time the afternoon sun dipped lower, he had already committed half of the sword formation to memory.

However, by dusk, Wang Sheng saw his senior sister effortlessly performing the entire sword formation smoothly. He could only retreat into his familiar bubble of self-defeat once more.

Well, time to work myself to the bone.

In his previous life, his lack of proper cultivation techniques or powerful spells had always troubled Wang Sheng. In this life, everything he required had already been laid out right before him.

If I don't work hard, I'll have to apologize to the version of myself who endured so much pain when my soul was shattered.

Focusing his mind and calming his breathing, Wang Sheng immersed himself in perfecting the sword formation and contemplating his master's teachings. He became so absorbed in the practice that pulling away from it felt almost impossible...

In his previous life, Wang Sheng had often heard the saying, "If one hears the Dao in the morning, they can die content in the evening."

Now, under Qing Yanzi's relentless guidance, Wang Sheng was beginning to truly understand the depth of those words. The things that he had yearned for over a dozen years—even becoming his obsession after countless days and nights of searching—were now finally within his grasp.

Moreover, thanks to Qing Yanzi's guidance and the sect's teachings, the cultivation questions that had long troubled him were finally resolved, one by one. Wang Sheng felt himself being repeatedly enlightened.

1.

Gu

is a venom-based poison associated with cultures of Southern China, particularly Nanyue. ☜

2. The

Dao De Jing,

or Laozi,

is a classic Chinese text and foundational work of Daoism that is traditionally credited to the sage Laozi, though the text's authorship and date of composition and compilation are debated. We follow the pinyin version. ☜