Chapter 169: Restraint
Chapter 169: Restraint
The terrain here was elevated, backed by a towering mountain with a bluish-gray summit capped in white snow. The area was encircled by an extensive barbed wire fence, enclosing everything within sight.
However, the off-road vehicle didn't enter the fenced area but stopped outside, where irregular abyss pits were also scattered around.
He Xiaoxing said, "You're already familiar with yesterday's underwater route, so we don't need to repeat it. Today, I'll take you to a different place."
Chang Ba couldn't help but look at Chen Chuan with sympathy.
Chen Chuan, however, was unbothered. As long as the training genuinely helped him and led to his progress, the specifics of the training didn't matter much. He just had to give it his all and focus on the key elements, which remained unchanged despite the change in location.
After the three of them got out of the car, Chen Chuan put on his dive suit, adjusted it outside, nodded to the other two, and then dove into the abyss pit, sinking into the water.
But he soon realized that the underground passages here were far more complex than just a change of location.
First, the pits leading downward were no longer straightforward like the previous day's, but instead, they twisted and turned, varying in width, depth, and water flow due to the terrain and water pressure differences, requiring him to be extra cautious.
He Xiaoxing moved around above, tossing down markers attached to ropes. It was evident that he was very familiar with the underwater routes, always a step ahead, dropping the markers in the direction Chen Chuan was likely to take.
An hour later, Chen Chuan successfully swam back up, having touched eight markers in total, a clear improvement from the previous day.
He Xiaoxing told him, "Reduce your rest time by five minutes. In twenty-five minutes, we'll move to another location."
Chang Ba immediately returned to start the car and drove to the next spot. This area was vast, with over a thousand Crimson Lakes, and the surrounding abyss pits were countless.
The first pits Chen Chuan encountered showed signs of human excavation, but the later ones were entirely natural.
Upon reaching the next location, Chen Chuan ended his break and immediately dove into the next round.
For the next two days, he spent his time underwater. After each dive, He Xiaoxing would change his position to prevent him from getting too familiar with the surroundings.
Each time, he also reduced the rest period until it reached the ten-minute limit.
Chen Chuan had to use this limited time to recover as much as possible. He didn't activate his Second Self but relied solely on his original strength to try and reach every marker.
After two days, he was still a bit short of He Xiaoxing's standard, with the best result being eleven markers, and this happened consecutively.
It seemed he had reached his limit.
That evening, instead of leaving, they lit a campfire on the wilderness and prepared to spend the night there. Chang Ba brought out some lamb and showcased his grilling skills once more.
To be honest, it felt like a farewell night.
Chang Ba skillfully turned the roasting meat while glancing at Chen Chuan. He was now genuinely concerned for the latter because if he failed to meet He Xiaoxing's requirements tomorrow, he wouldn't be able to proceed to the next stage of training, and the entire process would end here.
Having come this far, it would be a shame to be stopped by a single marker.
Although he believed passing the next stage was almost impossible, he still hoped for a miracle. Moreover, Chen Chuan was just one step away from the goal, and stopping here would be a significant regret.
Chen Chuan sat there calmly, showing no signs of despondency. If he didn't succeed tomorrow, he would use his Second Self to overcome this hurdle.
However, he preferred to use the abilities of his original body if possible. It wasn't that the Second Self was inferior; it was a part of him, an extension of his own being. Using his innate abilities was the most natural thing to do.
His only consideration was that the stronger his original body became, the stronger his Second Self would be. Therefore, training and breaking through with his original body's strength would yield the greatest benefits.
At this moment, He Xiaoxing spoke, "There are various ways to awaken and guide dormant alienation organizations. Apart from forced activation in life-or-death situations, esoteric sects in the past used incantations and scriptures to achieve their goals.
Followers trained in esoteric rituals were easily guided. Even ordinary people, without these methods, can release their emotional restraints, as suppressing emotions also suppresses a portion of the alienation organization."
He continued solemnly, "Emotions can be released, but not indulged. You must identify your goals and clarify your beliefs to unify your spirit and body, allowing the alienation organization to hear your true desires, not just for superficial manipulation. Otherwise, without external intervention or help, you'll only get back what you put in."
Chen Chuan contemplated this seriously and realized it was true. The second limit required self-restraint to subdue emotional disturbances. Neglecting this might lead to problems, like what happened with Zhuo Bao. However, Zhuo Bao might have thought otherwise?
A person like this sacrifices reason and gains more power.
In his personal experience, while subduing emotions, he does indeed suppress a part of his potential. Besides the alienating organization that generates emotions, he also needs a portion of his strength to subdue and restrict himself.
But this is not without purpose. His combat style is to remain calm, think, and seek opportunities, rather than fighting recklessly.
So, letting go of the shackles of his mind is indeed challenging. Instinctively, there is a resistance, and a self that is not under his control is not truly his self.
However, upon further reflection, He Xiaoxing's words might not be as simple as they seem. The example of the Esoteric Sect is specifically mentioned here, and Esoteric rituals are a form of restraint. So, the implication could be that only by being able to let go of emotions and then regain control is one truly restraining oneself.
This is a higher level of control.
With this realization, the reasoning is sound. The fear of losing control is merely a lack of sufficient restraint and inadequate ability.
So, how should this be resolved? He Xiaoxing also provided an answer.
It is the unshakable faith rooted deep within the mind and body.
As long as the belief in constantly surpassing oneself and breaking free from all restraints remains, it is inevitable that these chaotic emotions can be subdued.
At this thought, Chen Chuan's expression turned serious. He changed to a cross-legged sitting posture and slowly closed his eyes.
Upon seeing this, He Xiaoxing stood up from where he was and walked away into the distance.
Chang Ba glanced at Chen Chuan, thinking he might have realized something, so he didn't disturb him. He carefully picked up several skewers of almost grilled lamb and quietly left.
The night quietly slipped away.
The next day, as the cool morning breeze blew across the wilderness and the first rays of light shone on the horizon, Chen Chuan opened his eyes. Looking at the approaching He Xiaoxing, he said, "Teacher He, I want to try again today."
He Xiaoxing said, "If you think you can do it, then go ahead. I'll be waiting up there."
Chen Chuan nodded vigorously, put on his dive suit, and arrived at an unfamiliar abyss pit. With his back to the golden-red dawn, he stretched his limbs and then, with a powerful leap, jumped into the pit.
After entering the water, he quickly dove to the bottom of the pit. However, for the first five minutes, he didn't move but adjusted himself, completely freeing his mind and body.
Suddenly, the alien organization lost its mental suppression. For the first time, the restraints were removed, and it seemed to cheer and rejoice. At the same time, with the activation of this part of the organization, various emotions and chaotic thoughts flooded his mind, seemingly guiding him to vent and charge forward.
But he didn't lose his reason due to this. Deep within, a voice told him that indulging at this moment would only lead to unpredictable consequences, destroying his training progress, and potentially preventing him from achieving the vision of truly breaking free from all restraints.
Under the suppression of this firm belief, his eyes, clarity remained.
At this moment, he felt like he had become two people. One was emotionally charged, seemingly fearless, while the other observed himself, calmly watching every change in his body.
With a stir in the water, he pushed off with his feet, spread his hands forward, and swiftly swam forward.
This time, the underwater environment seemed much clearer than before. The gas exchange guided by internal breathing was more efficient, as if a new force filled his entire body, making his swimming speed faster and more agile than before.
He kept swimming through the underwater pits, searching for the markers dropped from above.
On the ground, Chang Ba noticed that He Xiaoxing's footsteps had quickened, indicating that Chen Chuan's swimming speed below had also increased.
Behind him, Chang Ba counted the swaying ropes, and within just over half an hour, ten markers were triggered. 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 that this concern was unnecessary. Before long, the eleventh marker was touched, and then, after what seemed like a short while, the rope swayed again.
"Twelve!" Chang Ba couldn't help but exclaim with excitement.
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 swiftly below, with just a little over an hour left. If he continued, he might have increased the upper limit of markers, but he stopped.
He swam out of the pit below, lightly supporting himself with one hand, and with a splash, he emerged from the water. He stood firmly on the edge of the pit, and his body straightened naturally.
He Xiaoxing looked at him and nodded, saying, "You can both let go and restrain yourself. You didn't indulge in the pursuit of your goal but overcame your desire to win and stopped within the specified time. This is good. You've met the requirements for this stage of training."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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