Chapter 51: Power Techniques
Chapter 51: Power Techniques
When Cheng Zitong saw the student before him, dressed in a training uniform and performing an old-fashioned salute, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and emotion.
It was that feeling, and this student's appearance was impressive. The experience was truly immersive, and he had indeed made the right choice in accepting this student.
Cheng Zitong hurriedly said, "Hey, sit down. You're too polite and courteous, my student."
Chen Chuan replied, "Thank you, Teacher." He bowed once more before taking a seat.
Cheng Zitong's face lit up with a smile. "Good. Before we delve into Vital Energy, you must understand a principle. A skilled martial artist's combat system is something they build themselves, both in the present and for the future. It's a lifelong journey for those who fight."
Chen Chuan said, "Someone from the Mutual Aid Society once came to recruit students and said the same thing. I can roughly understand what it means, but I'm not entirely clear on the specifics."
Cheng Zitong explained, "I've never liked the Mutual Aid Society, but they do have some backing. Our Wu Yi Academy usually starts teaching unarmed combat, followed by weapons training, and then we introduce other advantageous equipment. Ultimately, we aim to create fighters with independent combat capabilities who can handle various situations."
"The key here is that this process must be accompanied by the growth of Transmutation Organs. Let me give you an example. Most students in the Wrestling Division prefer the 'Garment Power' technique because it allows them to instantly spread their Vital Energy throughout their bodies during grappling, thanks to the coordination of Transmutation Organs. This provides both offensive and defensive capabilities simultaneously."
"There's a necessity to this. In close-quarters combat, your vital points are essentially exposed to the enemy. Unlike in ring fighting, there are no rules to follow. Whether it's the head, face, or spine, being grabbed or struck at these points is extremely dangerous. For instance, there's a move in Free Fighting..."
As he spoke, Cheng Zitong clenched his fingers, keeping his upper arm still while lifting his forearm slightly and then gently lowering it. A loud 'crack' sounded, and the small sandalwood table beside him shattered into scattered wooden fragments.
"This move is called 'Sky Rattling Mallet.' It's characterized by its rapid force transmission through the fingertips, with a small range of motion, specifically designed to counter diving grapples."
Chen Chuan looked at the shattered table and the wooden splinters that had rolled in front of him. He could imagine that if his head had taken such a blow during combat, it would have been shattered as well.
Cheng Zitong continued, "But if you've trained in Garment Power, once your Vital Energy spreads throughout your body, you might be able to block such an attack. Then, it becomes your turn to seize the advantage."
"From a practical combat perspective, since Vital Energy is controlled through breathing, it's often unleashed in the blink of an eye, making it difficult to perceive from the outside. Therefore, combat heavily tests one's experience and judgment. Life and death can be decided in an instant, not solely based on who has more advanced Vital Energy. It's also about seizing the right opportunities. But let's leave that aside for now and focus on Vital Energy."
"Returning to Vital Energy, as you practice different Power Techniques, the growth of Transmutation Organs will vary. Again, using Garment Power as an example, repeated training stimulates the growth of Transmutation Organs, forming a layer of robust and resilient Transmutation Membrane beneath the skin."
"With each exertion of force, accompanied by breathing, the membrane tenses and expands, naturally creating a protective layer on the body, as if one is wearing a sturdy and thick leather armor. This is where the name 'Garment Power' originates."
"With this membrane, even when not exerting force, it provides better protection to the fighter and enhances their strength. That's why most students in the Wrestling Division have impressive resilience."
"Ancient texts describe Garment Power as capable of withstanding iron and stone projectiles. In the era of cold weapons, an individual with such power, equipped with a full set of iron armor, would be an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Imagine facing dozens or even hundreds of such warriors charging towards you. What kind of feeling would that evoke?"
Chen Chuan pictured the scene in his mind, feeling a sense of awe.
Cheng Zitong said, "When you knocked out Zhong Wu during the final exam, I reviewed his medical report. The critical blow was to his chin, followed by a strike to the side of his head. If not for your immense strength and well-seized opportunity, it would have been nearly impossible to take him down at that moment."
Chen Chuan acknowledged this, the key was the first kick and the second kick. The first kick caught the opponent off guard, and the second kick, relying on speed, landed during a breathing gap. These two kicks determined the course of events that followed. In martial arts, life and death could indeed be decided in an instant.
Cheng Zitong continued, "Speaking of the Wrestling Division, let's also talk about the Grappling Division. The Power Techniques practiced here often involve Transmutation Organs penetrating into muscles and merging with bones, making them tough and robust. This grants greater resilience, flexibility, and ease in exerting force."
"Note that the Grappling Division doesn't forbid Transmutation Organs from penetrating bones. It's just that to form effective combat power, one must focus on certain aspects. However, with stimulation and further training methods, the Transmutation Organs will also grow and gradually change, becoming more and more suitable for one's chosen combat style and approach."
Chen Chuan nodded in understanding.
Cheng Zitong continued, "I'm mentioning these examples to tell you that the Power Technique you choose should align with your own combat style and personality preferences. Don't be tempted by power or blindly follow others, choosing a Power that goes against your own wishes or feels awkward. The best choice is the one that suits you."
Chen Chuan looked at him and said, "Teacher, are you saying that the choice of which Power Technique to cultivate should be left to the student?"
Cheng Zitong replied, "That's my thinking. Although other tutors believe their experience allows them to make better and more long-term decisions than the students themselves, you should know that this initial choice can determine a student's entire life. Isn't it better to be more cautious?"
"During the previous teaching process, I felt that you're a student with your own ideas. I can provide references, and you can make the choice yourself. Of course, if you feel you can't make a good choice or if you trust me, I can also help you decide."
After some thought, Chen Chuan said, "Then I'd like to first understand the Power Technique schools available in the academy."
Cheng Zitong pointed to the bookshelf beside him and said, "Most of the Power Techniques the academy can teach are there. You can browse through them yourself."
Chen Chuan glanced at the bookshelf, then stood up and walked over. He randomly picked up a bundle of bamboo slips, on which was written in ancient characters, "Grinding Hoof Power."
Cheng Zitong said, "This is a Power specifically used to assist in cultivating strength. Anyone cultivating a major Power can choose this. There's also a Power called 'Swallowing Spring Power' with similar effects. These minor Powers are either used to assist the major Power or are condensed versions of the major Power. Just browse through for now."
Chen Chuan took a quick look and put it back. He looked up and picked up another bundle of bamboo slips, on which was written, "Serpent Body Power." Cheng Zitong's voice followed, "This is a mandatory Power for the Grappling Division. It can make the coiling and twisting force penetrate the root, middle, and tip of the body, with both hard and soft variations. As an example of the soft variation, if you master it well, you can grasp an opponent's point and shake their bones..."
Chen Chuan casually unfolded the slips and saw numerous hand-drawn human figures in various poses.
Cheng Zitong continued, "Every Power must be practiced in conjunction with stance training. There are two types of stances: fixed stance and flowing stance. In the old days, it was all about fixed stances, but now, with improvements, flowing stances are more common.
Fixed stances are dull and difficult to master, and daily training beyond a certain limit yields little effect. Those without specific talents can't cultivate them well. Flowing stances are more convenient for various people to practice, and you can also use various tools to assist, like... this is the ancient method of the 'Garment Power Stance.'"
As he spoke, he stood up, fists clenched and pressed against his chest and abdomen, head bowed, body curled up, and toes curled inward. He looked like a fetus, but he supported his entire body with just the back of his toes touching the ground, standing incredibly stable.
After Chen Chuan waited for his demonstration to end, he straightened his body and asked, "Teacher, I heard Wu Yi has a Primordial Wholeness Power?"
Cheng Zitong nodded and said, "Yes! That's the common Power in the Free Combat Division. After cultivating it, one's coordination, agility, and even strength will greatly increase. For example, the move I just demonstrated, 'Sky Rattling Mallet,' uses the Primordial Wholeness Power."
As he spoke, he placed his hand on his lower abdomen and said solemnly, "Once you start cultivating it, a clump of transmuted fascia will form in the Dantian region first..."
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(End of Chapter)
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