Chapter 50: Hall of Reflection
Chapter 50: Hall of Reflection
Upon hearing this, Cheng Zitong reminded him, "You should think this through. There's a certain risk here. If you fail, you'll be demoted back to a Class B student, and you'll lose everything you've gained so far."
Chen Chuanxin replied, "Teacher Cheng, there are bound to be gains and losses on the martial path. But the knowledge I've acquired won't be lost, and I have faith in myself."
Cheng Zitong said, "Good. Regardless of what happens in the future, right now, you are my student, my only student. Since you've made this decision, I'll provide all the help I can as your teacher."
Chen Chuanxin sincerely said, "Thank you, Teacher!"
Cheng Zitong said, "In that case, let's study it step by step and solve each problem as it comes."
This exam didn't include third-year students; it was only open to first and second-year students. Although he said this, I believe there are very few first-year students with your level of ability, so your main competitors will be the second-year students."
From the registration period until the exam, there were six months in total. The registration period was valid until the end of the year, so in the next three months, you have to complete at least three important assigned missions with an 'Excellent' evaluation or above to be eligible to register. I'll help you with this; as your teacher, I still have some influence."
The other requirement for registration is to master Power Transmission. There's no need to elaborate; if your altered tissue continues to grow like this, it will threaten your life in three months. So, we must find a way to restrain it."
Chen Chuanxin agreed; this was the most crucial issue and the prerequisite for everything else. If you can't master it, there's no need to say more."
Cheng Zitong looked at Chen Chuanxin and continued, "Now that you've made up your mind, it's time for action. The next focus is to teach you how to master Power Transmission. Go change into your training attire and follow me to a place."
"Okay, Teacher, just a moment," Chen Chuanxin said, getting up and returning to his bedroom. He thought for a moment, changed into his set of green training clothes, and tied the green forehead protector around his head.
When he came out, Cheng Zitong nodded in approval. The student was already good-looking, and now dressed like this, he looked like a jade tree, tall and handsome. Even the teacher felt proud walking with him.
Cheng Zitong waved his hand and said, "Let's go."
He led Chen Chuanxin downstairs and out the front door. They walked to a white Peugeot sedan, opened the door, and gestured for Chen Chuanxin to get in. Then he went to the driver's seat.
After both buckled their seatbelts, Cheng Zitong started the car and drove towards the east side of Wu Yi Academy.
After about ten minutes, the surrounding buildings gradually disappeared, and two small hills, three to four hundred meters high, came into view.
The Wu Yi Academy campus was vast, with three small hills inside. These two hills were named North Peak and South Hill, located in the north and south directions, respectively.
The car drove to the foot of the hill and continued along the winding mountain road. Soon, they arrived at a building on the hilltop. The building had a traditional style with flying eaves and upturned corners, white walls, and dark-tiled roofs. The front plaza was paved with green bricks, and on both sides, several tall and sturdy pine trees were planted.
After parking the car, the two got out. Chen Chuanxin stood there and could clearly see the surrounding streams and a large estate-like flower garden on the North Peak, where the recommended students resided.
Whether they were Class A or Class B students, they had no interaction with them in their daily lives, and they didn't even see each other, even though they were in the same academy. It was as if they belonged to two different worlds.
Cheng Zitong walked up, greeted the security guard, and called Chen Chuanxin to follow him. They walked through the front courtyard, then across a square paved with bricks to the martial arena, and finally reached the main building.
It was evident that the building was constructed with modern materials but designed in an antique style. Security guards from the academy patrolled the area.
Cheng Zitong climbed the steps and approached the two solid doors. He took out a key, inserted it, and turned the lock. With a single push, the heavy doors slid open. He turned and called out, "Change into indoor shoes and come in."
Chen Chuanxin walked over, changed into a pair of cloth shoes with a thousand-layer sole at the door, and entered. After passing through the hall, he saw that it was a spacious training hall. The floor was polished to a mirror-like shine, and above the lower walls hung a plaque with the words 'Hall of Reflection' written on it. On both sides, against the walls, stood rows of old bookshelves filled with bundles of ancient bamboo slips that were rarely seen nowadays.
Cheng Zitong waited for him to approach and said, "Stand still and don't move."
Chen Chuanxin obeyed and stood in place.
Cheng Zitong walked behind him and, using a special technique, tapped his spine. "Do you feel any stinging, soreness, or swelling?" he asked.
Chen Chuan replied, "No."
Cheng Zitong's expression relaxed a bit as he said, "Since you haven't experienced the symptoms I mentioned earlier, it suggests that you've adapted to the Vital Gate Breathing Technique. The Altered Tissue hasn't taken over your body yet, but as long as it continues to grow, it's only a matter of time. So, the previous breathing technique was just to lay a foundation for you. Now, we're moving on to the formal training. Wait here for a moment."
Chen Chuan nodded.
Cheng Zitong walked through a side door and returned a while later, now wearing a deep brown training attire. Though his face was round, the outfit gave him an additional air of dignity.
He walked to the center of the hall, sat cross-legged on a cushion, and said, "Sit."
Chen Chuan found a cushion opposite him and sat down in the same manner. He caught a whiff of a pleasant fragrance and noticed an incense burner had been lit at some point. The scent was very soothing, calming his mind. He couldn't help but think, "Teacher, you really have a sense of ritual."
Cheng Zitong pointed to the plaque above and said, "Do you know why this place is called the Hall of Reflection? Learning is endless, and one must have a sense of reverence and caution. Even if the student has faults, the teacher might not be faultless. Therefore, past martial artists used to engage in dialogue with their teachers under this plaque, seeking to identify and correct their faults."
Chen Chuan nodded. He had noticed that despite his casual demeanor, this teacher had a deep-rooted respect for the traditions of the Ancient Era.
Cheng Zitong continued, "So, we won't engage in a one-man show. If you're wrong, I will definitely point it out, but if I'm wrong or say something you disagree with, you should also point it out. It's good for the teacher too, understand?"
Chen Chuan shook his head. "No, Teacher Cheng is very good."
6◇9◇Book◇Bar
Cheng Zitong sighed. "Don't say that. Everyone makes mistakes. If I do something wrong, you must point it out, you must."
After making this clear, he straightened his expression and said, "Starting today, I will guide you in the cultivation of Power. Before we begin, I need to explain what Power is.
You already understand that Power is generated through Altered Tissue. This is the first stage where a martial artist actively guides and utilizes the Altered Tissue, from the initial activation to the point of control. This entire process is now called the 'First Limit.' In the Ancient Era, this step was known as 'Cultivating the Seed of Truth.'
Of course, some ancient religious sects with unclear understanding referred to it as 'Incubating a Demon.' Regardless, since the Ancient Era, this stage has been highly regarded. It is the true beginning of utilizing Altered Tissue and the foundation that supports your advancement in higher martial arts. Do you have any questions?"
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "Teacher, I'm wondering, since we can now use surgery and medication to stimulate or suppress Altered Tissue, how did they solve this problem in the Ancient Era?"
Cheng Zitong replied, "Based on existing records, the continuous and uninterrupted growth of Altered Tissue was not very common in the past. Most cases were intermittent. The current situation, where this is becoming more frequent, began after the Algal Revolution.
As for the reasons, some believe it's due to the frequent use of various drugs and biotechnologies after the Algal Revolution. Others think it's simply because there are more channels for information exchange, leading to more awareness of such issues. Still, others believe it's because more people are practicing martial arts, and all these theories have some merit.
But you should know that before the advent of hot weapons, conflicts in the Ancient Era were frequent. Whether in the military or among the civilian population, martial warriors were often involved. The more skilled one was, the faster they died. Therefore, very few actually lived to a ripe old age. Many didn't even survive long enough for the issues to arise.
Additionally, both the imperial center and the civilian martial artists of the Ancient Era had well-established and effective methods. They would search for disciples who fit their martial arts style, keeping those who adapted and eliminating those who didn't, or using special techniques to cut off their martial path, thereby indirectly avoiding such issues."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Thank you, Teacher, for clarifying."
Cheng Zitong asked, "Do you have any other questions?"
Chen Chuan looked at him, stood up from the ground, and said earnestly, "Student understands. Please teach me the techniques of Power." He clasped his hands and bowed forward.
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(End of Chapter)
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