https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-38-The-Five-Great-Fleshly-Refinements-Leaping-Over-the-Dragon-s-Gate/12619663/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-40-The-Laws-of-Divine-Artifacts-Meditation-Lv-1/12619665/
Chapter 39: The Legend of the Ancient Supreme Physique
"What is a 'Treasured Body'?" Xueheng asked curiously.
Chen Fuguang explained, "A Treasured Body, as the name suggests, refers to refining one's physical body into a 'treasure'."
His voice took on a melodic tone as he continued, "In ancient times, there was a poem that described this concept:"
"Flesh lodging dragons and elephants, veins like iron, skin like lustrous glass, and bones transformed into jade."
"Blood boiling like molten lava, a true treasure of perfection and wonder."
"This poem speaks of the legendary 'Five Realms of the Treasured Body'."
"'Lodging Dragons and Elephants', 'Iron Veins', 'Lustrous Skin', 'Unyielding Jade Bones', and 'Molten Gold Blood'."
"These five realms represent the ancient warriors' fantasy of the ultimate human physique."
Xueheng listened intently, captivated by the realms described by the ancient warriors. He couldn't help but ask, "What do these five realms specifically refer to?"
Chen Fuguang was pleased with Xueheng's reaction, his desire to share his knowledge was greatly satisfied, and he smiled smugly, "The 'Lodging Dragons and Elephants' refers to the concept of having the strength of dragons and elephants within one's muscles. In ancient beliefs, dragons are the strongest among water-dwelling creatures, and elephants are the strongest among land animals. So, the idea of 'Lodging Dragons and Elephants' signifies immense physical power."
"There's even an ancient saying that goes: Ask why one can shake the lands of China? It is because they have attained the flesh of dragons and elephants."
As Chen Fuguang spoke, he began to nod his head, his excitement building.
"The second realm, 'Iron Veins', refers to having tendons and ligaments as tough as the roots of an iron tree. Trees are known for their strength and resilience, and an iron tree is the epitome of toughness. In the ancient view, muscles and tendons are inseparable. Tendons are the essence of muscles, and muscles are their byproduct. Possessing tendons like the roots of an iron tree allows one to harness the full potential of their dragon-elephant-like muscles."
"There's a saying that captures this: Boundless divine strength moves mountains with ease, with iron tree tendons coiled around the body."
Chen Fuguang spoke with great enthusiasm, and when he mentioned the sayings, he almost sang them like a professional storyteller.
"The third realm, 'Lustrous Skin', does not refer to the skin's appearance but rather its nature. It describes skin that is flawless and impervious, like lustrous glass. Once achieved, there are no weak spots left on the body. It locks in one's qi, blood, and spirit, minimizing energy loss and protecting against external pressures, much like indestructible jade or a divine weapon that cannot be harmed."
"An ancient saying captures this: Flawless and impervious, lustrous skin is a rare perfection in this world."
"The fourth realm, 'Unyielding Jade Bones', involves refining one's bones into unbreakable and eternal jade. Such bones possess unparalleled blood-generating functions, ensuring an endless supply of blood, qi, and spiritual energy. Any form of physical exertion becomes insignificant, and their hardness and sharpness are unmatched. No weapon can harm these bones, and they, in turn, can inflict devastating damage when wielding martial arts techniques."
"There's a saying that reflects this: Through the erosion of a thousand years or ten thousand years, an unyielding bone endures."
Xueheng interjected, "But that last line doesn't rhyme."
Chen Fuguang waved his hand dismissively, "Who cares about rhyming? It's cool, and that's all that matters."
"Don't interrupt, let me finish."
Chen Fuguang paused to regain his composure, and a hint of nostalgia appeared in his eyes. "The fifth realm, 'Molten Gold Blood', is acknowledged by ancient warriors as the most challenging realm to attain among the Five Realms of the Treasured Body. It describes the state where one's blood, the source of their body's power, boils and surges like molten lava. A single drop of this blood is said to be able to melt solid gold. Imagine the kind of power such blood could unleash!"
"There's a saying that captures this: True gold fears not the refining of the mysterious flame, but rather the blood of a warrior that can melt gold!"
Xueheng exclaimed in astonishment, "This feels less like a description of a realm and more like a mythical tale."
Chapter: "The Treasured Body, a Myth?"
As soon as these words left his mouth, Chen Fuguang's expression darkened. The lively atmosphere that had filled the room came to an abrupt halt.
"Yes, it's just a mythical tale," someone said, their voice tinged with disappointment.
"No one can achieve that," added another, their tone resigned.
Chen Fuguang sighed deeply, his initial enthusiasm now a distant memory. "My master, Li Qi, used to speak to me with such passion about the martial artist's ultimate pursuit of physical perfection. But after sharing these stories, he would always end with a sigh, much like I just did."
Aside from the fact that attaining such a realm was practically impossible, what was the point anyway? Times had changed...
Geniuses could now be manufactured; a few injections of performance-enhancing drugs coupled with scientific training methods could create powerful individuals in a fraction of the time. Not to mention the existence of 'Xeno-Implants'.
A decade of hard work in martial arts couldn't compare to the results of a single surgery.
Even if someone managed to attain the Treasured Body's five realms, it was uncertain if they could defeat the pinnacle of new-age technological enhancements.
The path of the old martial ways had long reached its end...
A melancholy expression washed over Chen Fuguang's face, and he fell silent. Xuejing could sense that something was amiss, so he remained quiet, choosing not to offer any words of encouragement.
He was different from Chen Fuguang in one crucial aspect—he possessed the most significant anomaly in the world.
What others deemed impossible was not necessarily out of his reach.
The Treasured Body's five realms...
Perhaps he could attempt to achieve them and become a 'Martial Arts Myth'.
"Alright, little junior disciple, you continue your training. I have work to attend to, so I'll take my leave," Chen Fuguang said, patting Xuejing's shoulder affectionately.
Xuejing nodded. "Take care, Senior Brother Chen."
...
Two days later, at the Dragon-Hiding Dojo, in the training room...
Xuejing paused his practice of the Coiled Dragon Technique, standing still on the solid wood floor as he slowly regulated his breathing.
A puddle of sweat had formed beneath his feet, an almost unbelievable amount for a human body.
[You have completed one session of Coiled Dragon Stance practice. Fitness Experience +208]
[You have completed one session of Coiled Dragon Stance practice. Internal Power Experience +201]
[Fitness has leveled up to Lv5 (59/2000)]
[Internal Power has leveled up to Lv3 (198/800)]
Xuejing's body crackled with the sound of snapping twigs, and his overall physical condition improved significantly, receiving a comprehensive enhancement.
He clenched his fists, and as he breathed, his internal power surged through his arms. Suddenly, a bulge appeared on his skin, as if a mouse were scurrying beneath the surface.
He wiggled his fingers, and the 'mouse' scurried up to the tip of his index finger. Xuejing positioned his thumb and index finger as if to snap his fingers, and with a sharp crack...
Just a simple snap of his fingers produced a powerful, resounding explosion!
"Excellent! Force concentrated in the fingertips, a deadly snap of the fingers! I never expected that, in addition to your exceptional physical talent, you would also possess such remarkable internal power control!" exclaimed Li Qi, the master of the dojo, from his wheelchair beside Xuejing.
Looking at his most promising disciple, Li Qi's receding hairline seemed to shine with pride.
"There's an old saying in the martial arts world: 'A thousand pieces of gold can't buy that sound!' To be able to channel your internal power into such a subtle movement, concentrating it into your fingertips, is the mark of a master in the olden days. Anyone with such skill would be revered and addressed as 'Master' outside these walls."
A satisfied smile spread across Xuejing's face as he heard these words. "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master."
"Hmm," Li Qi acknowledged. "Your progress has far exceeded my expectations. Perhaps we can try moving on to the next step ahead of schedule."
Xuejing asked, puzzled, "The next step? Do you mean the Shaking Armor Technique?"
Li Qi shook his head. "No, I'm talking about the Observation Method."
"The Coiled Dragon Stance aims to 'nourish dragon energy.' But where does this dragon energy come from? It comes from within your heart!"
"You must nurture a dragon within your heart."
...
(End of Chapter)
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