Chapter 17: The Three Heavens

Chapter 17: The Three Heavens

As the young men listened attentively, Meng Yuan and Wu Changsheng occasionally chimed in, and Nie Yinian became increasingly enthusiastic as he began to talk about the origins and evolution of the warrior's path.

In ancient times, natural disasters were frequent, and demonic creatures wreaked havoc. Through countless struggles, humans gradually discovered the path of the warrior and continuously refined the methods for advancement.

Moreover, from ancient times to the present, in both large and small dynasties, nine out of ten founders were warriors.

When the Daoist and Confucian schools flourished, Buddhism also emerged.

Each school developed its own teachings and integrated with one another, creating unique theories and methods for advancement.

However, the three teachings rose and fell, with periods of prosperity and decline. Just like in the present Kingdom of Qing, where Confucianism is revered, Daoism is respected, and Buddhism is deprecated.

Warriors establish themselves through martial prowess and focus on cultivating their own abilities. They are different from Confucians, who cultivate the vast righteousness, or Daoists, who cultivate life and death.

For this reason, when it comes to martial power, warriors are often the strongest within the same rank. Once they get close to their opponents, they can even instantly kill others of the same rank from different paths, or even surpass their rank in combat.

With strengths come weaknesses. While others may possess magical abilities and divine powers, warriors often rely solely on their swords and blades.

Of course, these comparisons are mostly between lower ranks. As for the higher ranks, Nie Yinian admits that he doesn't know what they are like.

After finishing the historical background, Nie Yinian finally began to talk about the path to attaining rank for warriors.

Warriors have the concept of the Three Heavens: the Lower Heaven, the Middle Heaven, and the Upper Heaven. Each heaven has thirty-three acupoints, totaling ninety-nine acupoints.

These ninety-nine acupoints are often referred to by warriors as the ninety-nine meridians.

Both Buddhism and Daoism have adopted the concept of the Three Heavens and developed their own theories. For example, Buddhism has the theory of the Three Days—Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow—while Daoism has the concept of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

The thirty-three acupoints of the Lower Heaven are located in the flesh and their positions are fixed.

There are four acupoints on each limb, sixteen on the torso, and one on the head, totaling thirty-three acupoints.

The Middle Heaven's thirty-three acupoints are distributed among the muscles, bones, and organs, similar to the Lower Heaven.

As for the Upper Heaven's thirty-three acupoints, Nie Yinian didn't elaborate much.

Opening the acupoints allows the cultivation of true qi, which is the source of a warrior's power. True qi circulates through the Three Heavens, making the opening of the Three Heavens the foundation of the warrior's path.

Even some advanced martial arts techniques require this foundation.

The more acupoints one opens, the smoother the flow of blood and qi in the body, resulting in increased strength, faster reactions, and more efficient transportation of true qi.

The ninety-nine interconnected acupoints are like rivers. The more and wider the rivers, the more essence and energy they can carry, making it easier to harness their power.

For example, a person's strength is like a river's capacity to carry a boat. The wider and deeper the river, the larger the boat it can support, and the stronger the corresponding strength becomes.

To reach the ninth level of perfection, one must fully open the thirty-three acupoints of the Lower Heaven. For the eighth level, it's the thirty-three acupoints of the Middle Heaven, and for the seventh level, it's the thirty-three acupoints of the Upper Heaven.

The seventh, eighth, and ninth levels are still within the realm of mortals, but they are the foundation for warriors. Once all the acupoints are opened, one can see the vastness of the sky and the ocean, which is a whole new level.

Attaining rank involves opening one of the thirty-three acupoints of the Lower Heaven.

This step often takes the most time and can be both easy and challenging. Usually, it involves tempering the body and then using the method of relaxation and tension taught by Nie Yinian, gradually opening the acupoints. There are also methods involving medicinal baths and specific techniques.

Once an acupoint is opened, it becomes easier to open the next one, like drawing a line from a point. For example, on the arms, one can start from the palm, move to the wrist, then up the arm, and eventually open the acupoints throughout the body.

If one is diligent, an ordinary person can open all thirty-three acupoints of the Lower Heaven within three to five years. Those with exceptional talent can achieve this in a year or even less.

Of course, nothing is certain, and one might get stuck at a particular acupoint due to various reasons. Laziness can also hinder progress.

However, opening each acupoint brings its own benefits. Opening the acupoint on the crown of the head can boost vitality and clarity of mind. Opening the acupoints on the limbs can increase strength and stability, while opening those on the torso can enhance endurance and power.

There is no fixed order for opening the acupoints.

Some start with the crown, some with the limbs, and some with the torso, depending on individual circumstances or other reasons.

Reputable sects with long traditions usually start with the crown acupoint.

In some boat and medicine guilds, where members need to row boats and climb mountains, a strong lower body is essential, so they begin by opening the acupoints on the lower limbs and then the arms.

As for the various martial arts schools outside, their methods are diverse.

Due to this flexibility, although Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism are revered, many ordinary people prefer the warrior's path because it is easy to enter, shows quick results, and increases strength. Even without proper guidance, people can still benefit from practicing.

"Look at those farmers and laborers; they endure more than you, but few have opened their acupoints. This is because they lack the proper techniques. The Embracing Posture Cultivation Technique may seem simple, but the key lies in the breathing method and meditation. Without proper guidance, many people struggle to understand it throughout their lives."

"Those from noble families or prestigious sects have access to medicinal baths or nutritious food from a young age.

After tempering his body and nourishing his essence and qi, he had already developed his own method of opening meridians, which we couldn't learn and he wouldn't teach.

Nie Yinian looked around at the young men and said seriously, "Fortunately, the path of a warrior doesn't discriminate. Others may be faster, but if we work hard, endure hardships, and put in the effort, we can also catch up with them."

"Don't be in a hurry to become a castrator. The pole standing technique I taught you is about finding the right balance between tension and relaxation. It may not be the best method for opening meridians, but it's the most suitable for you. Focus on your own cultivation, endure, and you will surely attain rank. It doesn't matter which meridian you open first, as long as you can open it."

"No one can help you open your meridians; I can only share some experience with you. After all, the path of a warrior values personal cultivation the most."

Nie Yinian had been talking for a while, and as noon approached, he became impatient.

"From now on, Xiao Chuanjiang is your senior brother. Listen to him during training, meals, and even when you sleep!" Nie Yinian's face turned stern, finally showing some of the demeanor of a strict teacher. "If anyone is dissatisfied, don't come crying to me. I'll beat you into submission first!"

Seeing that Nie Shi valued Meng Yuan so highly, everyone couldn't help but look at him. However, Meng Yuan's expression remained unchanged.

Meng Yuan knew that being a leader was indeed a sign of his progress, but it was also because he had agreed to a contract to sell himself.

"Go eat!" Nie Yinian waved his hand, but held Meng Yuan back. "You stay. I have some more instructions for you."

After the others left, Nie Yinian finally spoke, "Martial arts are about your own strength, the speed of your body techniques, and the external application of your mind. Do you understand?"

"Only by increasing your strength, quickening your body techniques, and improving your reflexes, supplemented by martial arts moves, can you conserve energy and display more power. It's not just about learning martial arts moves." Meng Yuan replied.

"You're not bad, kid." Nie Yinian patted Meng Yuan's shoulder firmly and said, "As the saying goes, 'Practice makes perfect.' You don't need to rush to learn moves now. Focus on enduring and cultivating your body, use the pole standing technique to nourish your essence, and prioritize opening your meridians."

"Thank you, Teacher Nie!" Meng Yuan expressed his sincere gratitude and asked, "How do I open the next meridian?"

"Are you in a hurry? It's not a big deal to take a break after breaking your body." Nie Yinian smiled.

This guy never has anything nice to say!

"You should take advantage of the momentum and forge ahead after breaking your body." Meng Yuan didn't care about saving face anymore.

"You're talented in both martial arts and academics!" Nie Yinian observed Meng Yuan and smiled. "It's actually quite simple. Continue with the pole standing technique to cultivate true qi, and then use the true qi to gradually impact the next meridian."

Seeing Meng Yuan's attentiveness, Nie Yinian explained the key points in detail.

"Opening meridians requires the right method and a balance between tension and relaxation." Nie Yinian looked up at the sky and said, "It's getting late. I'll teach you saber and sword techniques later! You lead their training this afternoon!"

Meng Yuan glanced at the sun directly overhead and thought, Is this late? You're just lazy!

"Remember this, after breaking your body, I'll find you a seasoned madam who will teach you great skills!" Nie Yinian spoke with sincerity.

I know you're still thinking about the silver I'd earn as a concubine! What seasoned madam?

"Teacher Nie, I prefer young and beautiful women." Meng Yuan spoke honestly.

"It's all the same with your eyes closed! You're young and don't understand the taste yet!" Nie Yinian waved his hand dismissively and stood up to leave. "Make sure the recliner is set up properly, and don't damage it."

After Nie Yinian left, Meng Yuan finally headed towards the cafeteria.

Today, he had gained a lot of insights and finally came into contact with some aspects of this world that were hidden deep within.

He realized that having a good position was crucial for broadening one's horizons. If he had remained a villager and a castrator, he would have only heard wild and impractical teachings, making it difficult to grasp the truth.

Upon arriving at the cafeteria, which was usually bustling with noisy mealtime chatter, it was unusually quiet today.

The male and female trainees sat in two rows, each with a bowl of food in front of them, and an extra bowl filled to the brim, obviously prepared for Meng Yuan.

All the trainees looked at Meng Yuan, each with a different expression.

Today, they had heard so much, and the more they learned, the more extraordinary they found this Meng Shixiong to be.

According to Teacher Nie, a ninth-rank warrior needed to open all thirty-three meridians. It would take ordinary people three to five years, while those with exceptional talent would still need a year.

Even for the first meridian to open and attain rank, ordinary people would need three to four months with guidance and diligent practice.

However, this Meng Shixiong had opened his meridian in just one month, and there was no doubt that he had a very promising future.

"Meng Shixiong," Wu Changsheng also stood up.

"Ah... Meng Shixiong," Tie Niu stood up and spoke.

"Meng Shixiong," all the male and female trainees rose.

"It's better to call me Ah-Xiong," Meng Yuan sat down and smiled. "Let's eat!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end