https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-40-Taking-a-Master-Hidden-Truths/13688179/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-42-Combat-Technique-Simulation-100-/13688181/
Chapter 41: The Teachings on Martial Cultivation Levels
“A Qing, do you know what qualities a truly good healer must possess?”
Hearing his master’s question, Lu Qing hesitated for a moment before replying, “Exceptional medical skills?”
“That is only one part of it,” Chen Laodaifu said. “Beyond that, a skilled healer must also have a calm and composed mind, and a strong, healthy body.”
“A calm and composed mind… and a strong body?” Lu Qing murmured, repeating the words to himself.
“Precisely,” the elder nodded. “For a healer, remaining calm in the face of crisis is essential.”
“Because as a healer, you will inevitably encounter all kinds of patients—some writhing in unbearable pain, screaming in anguish; others near death, barely clinging to life; some suffering from terrifying, grotesque ailments; and even those with volatile tempers, ready to shout, curse, or even assault you at the slightest provocation.”
“Should you lack a steady, composed heart when facing such patients, it will be impossible to accurately diagnose their conditions or provide proper treatment.”
“So remember this: when your medical skills are honed, no matter the patient you face, you must remain calm and collected. Only then can you truly help them heal.”
“Yes, Master,” Lu Qing said respectfully.
“As for a healthy body…” The elder paused, then continued, “As I just said, healers often face difficult patients. Some are irritable themselves, and their families are just as unreasonable. A slight dissatisfaction can trigger a furious outburst—sometimes even turning their rage on the healer.”
“In such moments, the healer must prioritize self-preservation over immediate treatment.”
“That’s why a strong body is so vital. Otherwise, you won’t be able to endure the assaults of irrational patients and their families.”
As he spoke, a shadow flickered across Chen Laodaifu’s face—something unreadable, as if he were recalling painful memories.
So my master has been through his share of medical disputes, Lu Qing thought.
Shaking his head slightly, the elder pushed aside the troubling recollections and continued.
“Beyond dealing with difficult patients, healers also frequently venture into the mountains to gather herbs or travel far and wide. These tasks demand a strong physique to survive.”
“Therefore, while medical skill is important, so too are a calm mind and a robust body.”
“Master,” Lu Qing asked earnestly, “how does one develop such a strong body?”
“You’ve hit the right point,” Chen Laodaifu smiled. “Do you remember the martial form I performed the first time you came to my clinic?”
“Of course,” Lu Qing replied. How could I forget? I nearly tried to simulate it myself!
This was the first time his master had openly spoken of cultivation—his heart stirred with excitement.
“This martial form was something I discovered by chance in my youth. It’s thanks to this art that I still maintain such good health at my age.”
“Now that you’ve become my disciple, it’s time I passed it on to you.”
“You’re going to teach me martial arts?” Lu Qing’s eyes lit up. “So Master, you’re also skilled in combat?”
“Just a little,” Chen Laodaifu chuckled. “Your constitution is still weak. In the future, whether you’re gathering herbs in the mountains or traveling across the land, you’ll need to strengthen yourself. As healers, we must not only heal others, but also cultivate our own bodies and maintain our strength.”
“How can we possibly treat others with care and precision if we ourselves are frail and sickly?”
Chen Laodaifu knew that someone as sharp-minded as Lu Qing would never abandon his quest to uncover the truth behind his parents’ deaths.
He had no right to stop him.
After all, seeking the truth about one’s parents is natural and rightful.
So all he could do was equip his disciple with a means of self-protection.
Back in the courtyard, master and disciple stood in the center, while Xiao Yan happily nibbled on pastries at a stone table nearby, watching them with wide-eyed curiosity.
“A Qing,” Chen Laodaifu said seriously, “before I teach you this martial form, I must first explain some fundamental principles of martial cultivation.”
“Yes, Master,” Lu Qing said, suppressing the thrill building inside him.
Finally, I’ll learn about cultivation!
“Martial cultivation,” Chen Laodaifu began, “is divided into several levels, known as Jingjie among martial practitioners.”
“The higher levels are divided into Xian Tian and Hou Tian.”
“Within the Hou Tian realm, there are three distinct stages: Qi Xue Jing, Jin Gu Jing, and Nei Fu Jing.”
“Qi Xue Jing—the first stage—is where beginners focus on invigorating the blood and qi, and refining their breath.”
“Once the blood and qi flow freely, and breath becomes smooth, the body naturally grows stronger. Strength increases, and vitality surges.”
“Masters of Qi Xue Jing are all robust and powerful—capable of easily throwing off three or five strong men who’ve locked arms around them.”
“Jin Gu Jing—the second stage—is when the cultivator begins deliberately forging their tendons and bones.”
“Through secret techniques and inner methods, they strengthen their physical structure, achieving the effects of stretching tendons and reshaping bones.”
“Those who master Jin Gu Jing gain strength far beyond those at the Qi Xue Jing level. They can halt a galloping horse with their bare hands, or hurl a cow with their fists—truly terrifying feats.”
“And then there’s Nei Fu Jing…”
The elder paused, then continued, “At this stage, the cultivator’s blood, qi, tendons, and bones have reached their peak. Further progress is impossible through external means. So they shift inward, seeking a deeper transformation—within the internal organs.”
“The human five viscera and six bowels are inherently delicate. A minor injury can prove fatal.”
“But a master of Nei Fu Jing has trained their internal organs to extraordinary strength—so that body and spirit are unified, breath flows endlessly, and endurance becomes limitless.”
“A cultivator at the peak of Nei Fu Jing can travel a thousand miles without tiring, or remain submerged in water for hours without breathing.”
“By this stage, one has long surpassed ordinary human limits—reaching the ultimate boundary of Hou Tian cultivation.”
“Few achieve this level—less than one in ten thousand. Such individuals are truly extraordinary, and thus, martial artists at this stage are revered as Zong Shi.”
Lu Qing listened, awestruck and exhilarated.
The world of cultivation was far more powerful than he had imagined.
To halt a galloping horse with bare hands… to throw a cow… to travel a thousand miles without fatigue…
These feats were nothing short of superhuman.
No wonder he had felt such overwhelming pressure when he first met Ma Ye.
He must have been a master of Nei Fu Jing—or even higher.
“Master,” Lu Qing asked eagerly, “if Hou Tian is so powerful, what about Xian Tian?”
Chen Laodaifu shook his head. “I myself do not know the full extent of Xian Tian’s power. Those at that level are like dragons—seen only the head and tail, never the whole body. Some wander the world freely, others guard nations with supreme authority. Ordinary martial artists rarely have the chance to meet them.”
Lu Qing’s eyes sparkled. “Then, Master… what level are you at?”
“Ha-ha!” Chen Laodaifu laughed heartily. “I’m old now, my body worn thin. What level I’m at doesn’t matter anymore. Besides, I’m just a physician—my duty is to heal, not to compete or dominate. Whether high or low, cultivation level is irrelevant to me.”
Ah, so he’s not going to reveal his true cultivation level, Lu Qing realized.
“But even if I don’t fight,” Chen Laodaifu added, “I can still teach you methods to strengthen your body.”
“The martial form I’m about to teach you—pay close attention. Master it well.”
(End of Chapter)
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