Chapter 169: Constraint
Chapter 169: Constraint
The area they were in was elevated, backed by a towering mountain with a grey-blue peak capped in snow. A vast expanse of barbed wire fencing stretched out, enclosing everything within sight.
The off-road vehicle, however, didn't drive into the fenced area but stopped outside, revealing irregularly scattered pits nearby.
He Xiaoxing spoke, "You're already familiar with the underwater route from yesterday, so we don't need to repeat it. Today, I'll take you to a different location."
Chang Ba couldn't help but look at Chen Chuan with sympathy.
Chen Chuan, however, didn't mind. As long as it genuinely helped him and facilitated his progress, the specifics of the training didn't matter much. He just had to give it his all. Moreover, although the location had changed, the fundamental elements remained the same, so it wasn't a significant issue.
After the three got out of the car, Chen Chuan put on his dive suit and made some adjustments outside before nodding to the other two. He then dived into the pit, sinking into the water.
He quickly realized that the underground tunnels were far more complex than just a change of scenery.
Firstly, the tunnels leading downward were no longer straightforward, like the previous day's, but instead presented a maze of twists, varying widths, and depths, making the water flow unpredictable due to the terrain and water pressure differences. This required Chen Chuan to be extra cautious.
He Xiaoxing walked around above, tossing down markers attached to ropes. It was evident that he was very familiar with the underwater tunnel routes, always managing to drop the markers one step ahead of Chen Chuan's possible path.
An hour later, Chen Chuan successfully swam back up, having touched eight markers in total, a notable improvement from the previous day.
"Reduce your rest time by five minutes," He Xiaoxing instructed Chen Chuan. "Continue in twenty-five minutes. Let's go back to the car, and we'll head to another location."
Chang Ba immediately returned to the car and drove to the next spot. The area they were in was vast, with thousands of Crimson Lakes and countless pits scattered around.
The first tunnels Chen Chuan encountered showed signs of artificial excavation, but the ones he saw later were entirely natural.
Upon reaching the next location, Chen Chuan's rest ended, and he immediately dove into the next round of underwater exploration.
For the next two days, he spent his time underwater. After each swim, He Xiaoxing would change his position to prevent him from becoming too familiar with the underwater layout.
Each time, the rest period was shortened until it reached a limit of ten minutes.
Chen Chuan had to make the most of this limited time to recover his strength. He didn't resort to using his second self but relied solely on his original powers to try and obtain every marker.
However, after two days, he consistently fell short of He Xiaoxing's standards, with his best performance only reaching eleven markers, and this happened repeatedly.
It seemed like he had reached his limit.
That evening, instead of leaving, they decided to stay in the wilderness, lighting a bonfire to spend the night. Chang Ba brought out some lamb and showcased his barbecue skills once more.
To be honest, it felt like a farewell night.
Chang Ba skillfully turned the roasting meat, glancing at Chen Chuan. At this moment, he couldn't help but worry about the latter. If Chen Chuan failed to meet He Xiaoxing's requirements tomorrow, he wouldn't be able to proceed to the next stage of training, and the entire training would come to an abrupt end.
Having come this far, it would be a shame to be stopped just because of one marker.
Although Chang Ba believed that passing the next stage of training was almost impossible, he still hoped for a miracle. Chen Chuan was just one step away from reaching this goal, and stopping here would be a significant disappointment.
Chen Chuan sat calmly, showing no signs of despondency. If he didn't succeed tomorrow, he would use his second self to overcome this hurdle.
However, if possible, he preferred to rely on his original abilities. This wasn't because using his second self was undesirable; it was a part of him, an extension of his being. Using his inherent capabilities was the most natural thing to do.
His only consideration was that the stronger his original self became, the more potent his second self would be. Therefore, training and breaking through with his original powers would yield the greatest results.
At this point, He Xiaoxing spoke, "There are many ways to awaken and guide dormant altered tissues. Apart from being forced to activate in life-threatening situations, there were also esoteric sects that used mantras and scriptures to achieve this. Followers who underwent long-term esoteric rituals could be easily guided.
Ordinary people can also achieve this without such means by freeing themselves from emotional constraints. Suppressing emotions also restricts a portion of the altered tissues.
He continued, "Emotions can be released, but not indulged. You must have a clear goal and firm belief to unify your spirit and body, allowing the altered tissues to hear your demands, not just superficially. Otherwise, they won't fully respond to you. Without external intervention or help, you'll only get back what you put in."
Chen Chuan contemplated this and realized it was true. The second self required self-restraint to subdue emotional disturbances. Neglecting this could lead to problems, as Zhuo Bao might have experienced.
This individual, in sacrificing rationality, has indeed gained greater power.
From his personal experience, while subduing his emotions, he did suppress a portion of his potential. This is because, in addition to the altered tissue that generates emotions, he also needs a part of his strength to subdue and restrict himself.
But this isn't without purpose. His combat style is to remain calm, think, and seek opportunities, rather than indulging recklessly and fighting without restraint.
So, freeing his mind from constraints is indeed challenging. Instinctively, there's resistance, and a self that isn't under his control isn't truly his own.
But upon further reflection, He Xiaoxing's words might not be that simple. The example of the Esoteric Sect is mentioned, and their rituals are essentially a form of self-restraint. Therefore, the underlying message could be that only by letting go of emotions and then regaining control can one truly restrain oneself.
This is a higher level of self-control.
Upon this realization, the logic is sound. If one fears losing control, it's merely a matter of insufficient restraint and inadequate ability.
So, how does one resolve this? He Xiaoxing provides the answer.
It's an unwavering belief rooted deep within one's mind and heart.
As long as the belief in constantly transcending oneself and breaking free from all constraints remains, one can undoubtedly subdue chaotic emotions.
At this thought, Chen Chuan's expression turned serious. He changed to a cross-legged sitting posture and slowly closed his eyes.
He Xiaoxing stood up and walked away.
Chang Ba observed and thought Chen Chuan might have realized something, so he didn't disturb him. He carefully picked up several skewers of almost-cooked lamb and quietly left.
The night slipped away unnoticed.
In the early hours of the morning, as the cool breeze blew across the wilderness and the horizon glowed with the dawn's light, Chen Chuan opened his eyes. He looked at the approaching He Xiaoxing and said, "Teacher He, I want to try again today."
"If you believe you can do it, then go ahead. I'll be waiting up there," He Xiaoxing replied.
Chen Chuan nodded vigorously, put on his dive suit, and approached a pit he had never visited before. With his back to the golden-red morning glow, he stretched his limbs and then, with a powerful leap, dove into the pit.
Upon entering the water, he quickly descended to the bottom, but for the first five minutes, he didn't move. Instead, he adjusted himself, completely freeing his mind and body.
Suddenly, the altered tissue seemed to lose its willpower, and for the first time, the constraints were lifted. It was as if a cheer erupted within him. Simultaneously, as this tissue became active, various emotions and chaotic thoughts flooded his mind, urging him to vent and charge forward.
Yet, he didn't lose his sanity. Deep within, a voice reminded him that this moment of release could lead to unpredictable consequences, potentially ruining his training progress and preventing him from achieving his vision of true freedom from all constraints.
Under the suppression of this firm belief, his eyes remained clear.
At this moment, he felt as if he had become two people. One was emotionally charged, seemingly fearless, while the other examined himself, calmly observing every change in his body.
With a ripple in the water, he pushed off with his feet, spread his arms, and swiftly swam forward.
This time, the underwater environment seemed clearer than ever before. The internal respiration guided the exchange of gases more efficiently, as if a new force filled his entire body, making his swimming faster and more skillful than before.
He continuously swam through the underwater pits, searching for the markers dropped from above.
Above the water, Chang Ba noticed He Xiaoxing's footsteps quickening, indicating that Chen Chuan's swimming pace had also increased.
Chang Ba counted the swaying ropes, and within half an hour, ten markers were triggered in succession. His heart couldn't help but feel a mix of tension and anticipation.
With two markers left and over twenty minutes remaining, would he make it in time? Soon, he realized his worry was unnecessary. In no time, the eleventh marker was touched, and before long, the ropes swayed again.
"Twelve!" Chang Ba couldn't help but shout excitedly.
Chen Chuan had met He Xiaoxing's requirements, but this wasn't the end. Just three minutes later, he touched the thirteenth marker, followed by the fourteenth, fifteenth...
Chen Chuan swam rapidly below, with less than an hour remaining. If he continued, there was still a chance to increase the number of markers. Yet, he stopped.
He swam out of the pit below, lightly pushing himself out of the water with one hand. With a splash, he emerged, standing firmly on the pit's edge.
He Xiaoxing watched him and nodded. "Being able to release and restrain yourself, you didn't indulge in the pursuit of victory. You stopped within the allotted time, which is excellent. You've met the training requirements for this stage."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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