Chapter 166: Crimson Lake
Chapter 166: Crimson Lake
He Xiaoxing extended his hand, pointing at Chen Chuan's chest, "You should be able to feel it. The mutated organs are attached to your original ones, but they can function independently."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement, but clarified that this was only possible when he wasn't exerting himself. In combat, both sets of organs needed to work together, and he couldn't afford to have one set inactive.
He Xiaoxing explained, "The potential of the mutated organs is immense, but since your original organs are sufficient for daily needs, they remain in a near-dormant state during non-combat situations. They will gradually strengthen under your guiding technique, but they won't actively perform any functions on their own. You need to tell them what you require."
Chen Chuan listened intently. He understood that the mutated organs would respond and develop differently based on his needs, and their future growth would vary accordingly. There was no 'best' path, only the most suitable one for each individual. However, the foundational training was universal, and the subsequent training direction would require a specific method to awaken and align it with his needs.
Chen Chuan, now grasping the concept, asked, "Teacher, what should I do next?"
He Xiaoxing looked towards the mountain below, "Do you see that lake down there?"
Chen Chuan turned to look. "Yes, I do."
"That's the famous Crimson Lake, a tourist attraction. There are thousands of these lakes in the region, each containing a unique mineral that a type of algae called 'Stone Algae' feeds on. This gives the water a reddish hue."
"But this algae has a parasitic nature. People who come into contact with it can become hosts, resulting in a condition known as Crimson Skin Disease. Some even enter the body through the water supply. You might have noticed that most drinking water here is imported."
Chen Chuan recalled his journey, and indeed, he had seen people with slightly flushed skin. Despite the low cost of food and lodging, water was relatively expensive.
"However," He Xiaoxing continued, "for limited combatants like us, if the exposure is minimal, we can expel the algae through breath techniques and internal organ regulation."
"In the old era, a sect discovered the unique properties of Stone Algae and utilized this environment for auxiliary cultivation. Today's training will begin here."
After his explanation, He Xiaoxing walked to the side and struck a small copper bell hanging nearby. Moments later, a vehicle emerged from the mountain. Chang Ba, at the wheel, greeted them with a wave. "Teacher He, I'll take you there."
He Xiaoxing and Chen Chuan climbed into the vehicle without further ado. Chang Ba drove them down the mountain, and after a short ride, they arrived at the Crimson Lake.
The lake's periphery was a pale red, but its center was a deep, blood-like crimson. The water was still, like a gem embedded in the earth. The blue sky, white clouds, yellow plains, and red lake created a vibrant painting, stimulating the senses.
The trio exited the vehicle. He Xiaoxing instructed Chen Chuan, "Go ahead and immerse your arm in the lake. Don't resist if anything unusual happens. I'll pull you out when needed."
Chen Chuan nodded, walking along the sandy shore. He rolled up his sleeves and dipped his arm into the water. In that moment, he felt, perhaps illusory, that the water had come alive.
Within a few breaths, his arm developed a red layer, accompanied by a tingling sensation. Simultaneously, he noticed his arm exhibiting signs of dematerialization.
However, he halted the transfer of damage to his second self, recalling He Xiaoxing's instruction to not resist.
After about two to three minutes, He Xiaoxing spoke, "You can stop now."
Chen Chuan straightened up, noticing his entire forearm had turned a deep crimson, the color spreading. He then heard He Xiaoxing's voice.
"These are the Stone Algae. Use your internal mutated organs to expel them from your body."
Chen Chuan nodded, adjusting his breath. Under his slow guidance, the mutated tissues beneath his skin stirred, pushing out the microscopic intruders.
Within four or five breaths, the light red on his arm transformed into gray, forming layers of curled and wrinkled skin, resembling dead skin. He brushed his arm, and the layers fell to the ground like ash.
Chang Ba, who had been observing closely, was astonished. He had undergone this process himself, but it had taken him over ten minutes. The itching and discomfort during the expulsion were almost unbearable, akin to intense training. Yet, Chen Chuan maintained a calm demeanor throughout, seemingly unaware of the sensations, which impressed Chang Ba.
He Xiaoxing explained, "You expelled the intruders effortlessly using external attraction techniques. Now, I'll teach you an internal attraction technique. It will facilitate gas exchange through the mutated tissues beneath your skin, bypassing your mouth and nose."
As he spoke, he began to explain the intricacies of this breathing technique.
Chang Ba also attempted the technique but soon gave up with a bitter expression, knowing that he would never truly master it.
This technique required the extensive use of transformed tissue, and only a comprehensive and complete set of transformed tissues could achieve the desired result. Any missing parts, even if the technique was executed, would significantly diminish its effectiveness. He had only managed to complete a portion of it before, and even with his increased strength, there was no noticeable improvement.
Chen Chuan practiced the Zhouyuan Technique, possessing all the necessary transformed tissues. Following He Xiaoxing's instructions, he grasped the method in just half an hour.
He Xiaoxing said, "Now, try it again. This time, don't use external attraction; instead, use the internal attraction technique you just learned."
Chen Chuan nodded and walked to the lakeside, immersing his arm in the water. After a while, he withdrew it and began to expel the transformed tissues using pure internal breathing.
This attempt felt several times more challenging. He was accustomed to external breathing, and using internal breathing felt awkward, as if he couldn't quite get a grip on it. The process was rough and unrefined.
At first, as he deepened his focus, he unconsciously tried to use external breathing. But quickly catching himself, he stopped and had to dedicate a portion of his attention to preventing this mistake.
"I'll give you a day to master it," He Xiaoxing said. "If you succeed, we'll move on to the next stage tomorrow."
Chen Chuan nodded.
He Xiaoxing didn't mention the consequences of failure, but Chen Chuan knew this was just the bare minimum requirement. If he couldn't even meet the first step, there was no point in continuing with the subsequent stages.
However, he wasn't worried. With the Second Self Overlap, his physical qualities would double, making this task a breeze. But first, he wanted to test his limits, knowing that the overlap would only make him stronger.
Seeing Chen Chuan quickly immersing himself in his practice, He Xiaoxing turned and walked away. Chang Ba glanced at Chen Chuan and said, "Hey, let's head back. You can practice at your own pace; I'll come pick you up tonight, okay?"
Without turning, Chen Chuan replied, "No need, thanks. Just bring my things over, I'll stay here tonight."
The 1619 book was error-free!
Chang Ba shrugged. The town wasn't far, and the wilderness posed no threat to a fighter.
He returned to the car, grabbed Chen Chuan's belongings, and placed them aside. After calling out to Chen Chuan, he returned to the driver's seat. As the car started, he asked, "Do you think he can do it in just one day? It took me half a month to complete it. Isn't this too harsh?"
He Xiaoxing's voice was grave as he replied, "For him, one day is more than enough."
Chang Ba let out an 'oh' but couldn't help feeling a twinge of envy.
After the two left, Chen Chuan resumed his practice, but soon, he hit a wall, unable to find the trick to the technique.
Instead of stubbornly forcing it, he paused and walked to his distant package, retrieving a nutrient cream, which he consumed. Then, he carefully analyzed his mistakes and tried again.
As evening approached, after another attempt, he examined his arm. Although the prolonged effort had expelled some of the transformed tissues, he knew it wasn't enough.
He lifted his head and gazed at the sky, where the setting sun's rays painted the horizon in a crimson hue, blending seamlessly with the distant Crimson Lake. The sight was dazzling, a rare spectacle in other places.
After a moment, he suddenly realized something.
Yes, the whole body!
He Xiaoxing had mentioned specific transformed tissues for the technique, but that didn't mean he was limited to them. He Xiaoxing had also said that everyone must find their most suitable method.
The reason he couldn't succeed before was that the involved tissues weren't sufficient. But with the Zhouyuan Technique, he possessed more and better-transformed tissues than others. So, during internal attraction, he could engage his entire body, assisting and participating in the process!
This holistic approach was a consistent principle in his martial arts training.
With this realization, he stood up and, as he internally attracted, he attempted to engage his entire body's transformed tissues in harmony.
Initially, there wasn't much change, but soon, grayish powder began to fall, accumulating at his feet, and his entire arm returned to its original state!
The next morning, around six, Chang Ba drove He Xiaoxing to the lake.
From a distance, they spotted Chen Chuan sitting on a stone near the lake, his pants rolled up, his legs immersed in the water. He gazed at the rising sun on the horizon.
Hearing the approaching car, he stood and walked out of the water onto the beach. His legs and feet were devoid of any crimson traces.
...
(End of Chapter)
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