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Chapter 145: The Second Limit
Chapter 145: The Second Limit
The Yin-Yang Elixir should be sipped in small mouthfuls, taken in stages, to prevent the toxicity from becoming overwhelming and to allow for gradual adjustment.
However, this method is suited for those naturally gifted with the talent, as their altered tissues respond to even slight stimulation and grow.
Chen Chuan was well aware that he wasn't one of those naturally gifted individuals. The elixir given to him by Cheng Zitong likely had a reduced toxicity, and fearing insufficient stimulation, he decided to gulp it down in one go.
As the cool, thick liquid entered his stomach, he first felt a heavy sensation, followed by a burning sensation after a while. This feeling then transformed into a stinging pain that spread throughout his body, causing a numbing sensation.
To utilize the elixir's full effects, he didn't rely on his second self to resist the impact. Only in moments of genuine danger would he redirect the damage. Thus, he bore the full brunt of the elixir's effects.
After some time, as he felt his limbs seemingly disappear and his breathing became labored, he knew the elixir had spread throughout his body. He then began to stimulate the altered tissues within his internal organs using the 'Concealed Breath Technique'.
He had studied this breathing technique numerous times before, and despite not practicing it beforehand, his foundation allowed him to master it effortlessly, even on his first attempt.
After guiding the technique for over an hour, with his blood and energy flowing smoothly, he regained control of his body. He stood up and repeatedly practiced the 'Zhouyuan Stance Power', striking with various martial techniques and coordinating his breaths to intensify the elixir's penetration into his organs.
Typically, the 'Stance Power' is a gentle training method, providing a moderate level of stimulation that can be sustained for an extended period.
However, unleashing martial techniques is different. While it provides sufficient stimulation, those at the first limit can only exert a limited amount of power. Hence, the usual method to break through the limit is to sip the elixir in stages, relying on nutritional substances to replenish the body and waiting for partial recovery before continuing, maximizing the interval between each exertion of power.
But he didn't follow this approach. He repeatedly unleashed his martial techniques, constantly stimulating his internal organs and allowing his second self to continuously redirect the damage.
Through his efforts, the altered tissues within his organs, which had been dormant like seeds in the soil, began to awaken and gradually permeate his body, guided by his intentions and techniques.
For an average martial artist, breaking through the limit would require sipping the elixir in stages, carefully testing and probing their endurance, and possibly combining it with other substances. This process could take two to three days, with potential setbacks along the way.
However, such intermittent stimulation could result in scattered and chaotic growth of the altered tissues, which could be rectified later, but with inherent flaws.
In Chen Chuan's case, he achieved this breakthrough in just a few hours. The altered tissues' growth from awakening to full bloom was seamless, leaving no gaps, resulting in exceptionally clear and orderly development.
This method wasn't without drawbacks; rapid stimulation could lead to fragile and limited tissue strength. However, this was easily rectified with sufficient nutrition and stimulation, making it the simplest to overcome.
Chen Chuan's actions consumed an entire day. He didn't continuously unleash martial techniques; after the initial guidance, he would pause after a dozen or so strikes, transitioning to the stance power or meditating and using the 'Concealed Breath Technique' to regulate his condition.
These two techniques, one rigid and the other gentle, complemented each other, blending and resonating, ensuring the continuous stimulation of the altered tissues.
In the end, he felt a sticky sensation all over his body and even detected a bitter taste. This was due to the elixir's toxic substances being expelled from his body, and only by completely purging them could he consider the elixir fully utilized.
At this moment, he slowly calmed himself, suppressing the effects.
Today's efforts had to end here. Within a day, the altered tissues had their growth limit, and now successfully awakened, they only needed further consolidation, which would take another two to three days.
Additionally, his second self, having redirected the damage from the martial techniques for an entire day, was nearing its endurance limit and needed a day's rest.
He turned and left, taking a hot shower and changing into fresh clothes before returning to sit on the bed, calmly enjoying the night view while taking deep breaths.
This place was indeed beneficial for calming one's mind, as the documents suggested. As the altered tissues within the internal organs grew stronger and more refined, a martial artist's emotions would intensify, and some might struggle to control themselves.
This was especially true for younger martial artists, who could easily be swayed by their emotions and make impulsive decisions.
The solution was medication, suppressing the surge of emotions, a necessary and effective approach according to current understanding.
This prevented elite students from acting recklessly and extreme actions from those with darker thoughts, whose amplified emotions could lead to greater destruction.
Another method involved utilizing the environment, positive activities, and regulating breathing techniques to foster a positive mindset, consciously overcoming challenges, as Chen Chuan was doing. This was more effective than medication, and self-control was a form of self-mastery.
However, both methods, one physical and the other mental, needed to be employed together to achieve true self-mastery, rather than being a slave to one's impulses.
As detailed in the information provided by Cheng Zitong, the ancient martial artists had already recognized the importance of this aspect. They would sometimes light incense burners and recite scriptures to calm their minds.
However, some cults took advantage of this practice, using their own scriptures to distort people's minds and alter their subconscious, possibly aiming to induce the growth of aberrant altered tissues. This was why they were referred to as "demonic" with good reason.
After a session of meditation, Chen Chuan felt significantly more relaxed. He took a pill to aid in recovery and maintenance, then went to rest.
The next morning, at 5 am, he prepared himself and drank another cup of Yin-Yang Elixir. He continued the process from the previous day, guiding the altered tissues.
Today's task was much easier than yesterday's, as the most challenging part was already done. Now, he just needed to build upon yesterday's progress and expand from there.
After a day of practicing the Guarding Vitality Breath Technique, he felt more familiar with it. The techniques he was using were not entirely self-taught; instead, he followed the secrets recorded in the Zhouyuan Technique, relying on the wisdom of those who came before him until he fully mastered this power.
If yesterday's task was to guide the altered tissues from various internal organs, today's goal was to interconnect these tissues, forming a cohesive whole and achieving the Second Limit.
This process required a deeper understanding of both techniques and breathing methods, and he approached it with utmost caution. Fortunately, the foundation laid on the first day was solid, and the altered tissue network was clear, making the entire process relatively smooth.
As the day drew to a close, he felt that with a little more effort, he could complete the interconnection of altered tissues and reach the Second Limit.
However, he resisted the urge to rush. When he sensed his body reaching its limit, he naturally stopped, took a shower, and then returned to enjoying the scenery, sipping tea to calm his mind.
He maintained this routine, sleeping at the designated times without overthinking.
On the third day, after drinking the third cup of the elixir, he continued the process from the previous day.
Today's progress was even more effortless than before. Naturally, the altered tissues from various internal organs formed a cohesive whole, creating a fragile cycle. With careful nurturing and management, these altered tissues would solidify within his organs.
This achievement marked his official entry into the Second Limit of martial arts cultivation.
In the 1691 version of the book, it is stated that from this moment on, most external stimuli would primarily affect the altered tissues in his vital organs.
The transformation of his bones and muscles would not cease; instead, as his organs grew stronger, these tissues would be enhanced, leading to higher limits.
He cautiously tested his strength, and even without a clear reference, he could sense that his overall physical qualities had significantly improved.
And this was just the beginning. As the results solidified and the altered tissues within his organs continued to develop, more changes would occur, pushing his combat power higher.
Just as when he first entered the First Limit, the altered tissues would experience a rapid growth phase during this stage. With the aid of the elixir and proper training, martial artists would feel themselves getting stronger each day.
Breaking through the Limit brought him genuine joy. Based on his past experiences, he believed that the overlap with his Second Self would also increase significantly.
He checked his watch and found that his expectations were met; the overlap had increased by approximately forty minutes. His overall overlap time was now approaching three hours, which was excellent news for someone about to take the Infinite Defense Certificate exam. It represented an improvement in his survival skills.
He sat for a while, then stood up to pour himself a cup of tea. He sat back down and opened a notebook sent by Cheng Zitong, which contained notes written by He Xiaoxing regarding combat techniques and power usage in the Second Limit.
While the Zhouyuan Technique included the Second Limit's stance power, it lacked specific instructions on power usage. In the First Limit, using the Direct Fist Technique and mimicking the power of various parts of the body had been sufficient.
However, in the Second Limit, power usage became more intricate, as various altered tissues could now participate, leading to techniques and power usage far beyond what was possible in the First Limit.
Other martial arts departments had records and references for this, but he had none, so he could only rely on guidance from experienced individuals and his own exploration.
While records from other departments could be consulted, it wasn't that simple. After reaching the Second Limit, students would either graduate or become teachers, so this knowledge was reserved for approved teachers or elite students.
If he submitted a report, the academy would gladly provide the information, but he didn't want to reveal his progress just yet.
He Xiaoxing was not only a former teacher at the academy but also had in-depth exchanges with various martial artists, and his level was more than sufficient. So, he could provide some suitable guidance.
The notebook suggested that he not overcomplicate things at this stage. For now, focusing on strength and speed was enough to handle most combat situations. It outlined how to apply these aspects and provided some crucial secrets without delving too deeply into technicalities.
Lastly, it hinted that some things would become clear to him as he advanced to higher limits.
Chen Chuan contemplated this advice, finding it aligned with his own thoughts. Now that he had successfully broken through to the Second Limit, once he overlapped with his Second Self, he believed he could handle most situations.
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(End of Chapter)
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