On Mount Yueqing.
Within mountain forests wreathed in drifting mist.
Yan Jiuzhen held a branch as he simply instructed his two disciples on how to use fist techniques against weapons and swordsmanship.
As the Nine Truths Head of the Court, he too had personal disciples who followed him. It was simply that the affairs of the court head kept him busy, leaving him little time to instruct them.
"If someone thrusts a sword straight at your center, respond with the Mountain Turns, Road Winds maneuver. This move used the feint to answer the real, redirecting the sword strike with force while still leaving room to counterattack or retreat. Whether to attack or defend then depended entirely on your own decision. It could be called equally suited for attack and defense."
Yan Jiuzhen carefully demonstrated the changing moves that followed for the two disciples.
The two watched without blinking, perfectly still.
"Brother Jiuzhen, it had been quite some time since I last saw you so serious."
Suddenly, a lean old man in a long robe with broad sleeves, his hair hanging loose, emerged slowly from the woods with a jug of wine in hand.
"So it was Brother Qinghu. Why weren't you staying in your Qinghu Court? What brought you over to my Nine Truths Court?" Yan Jiuzhen gestured for his disciples to continue practicing on their own, then turned to face the old man.
The newcomer was Song Qinghu, head of Qinghu Court and Yan Jiuzhen's equal.
"I had merely gone down the mountain to handle a small matter. On my way back, I happened to hear some news concerning that farmer, Su Zhao.
"I heard you were in charge of capturing Su Zhao. In that case, this is for you."
Song Qinghu tossed something with a flick of his