Chapter 51: Techniques
Chapter 51: Techniques
When Cheng Zitong saw the student before him, dressed in a training outfit and performing the traditional salute, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion and satisfaction.
"This is the feeling I'm talking about!" he exclaimed. "And this student has a great appearance, the experience is simply amazing. I've definitely made the right choice with this one."
Cheng Zitong hurriedly said, "Hey, take a seat. You're being too polite and courteous, my student."
Chen Chuanxin replied, "Thank you, Teacher." He bowed once more and then sat down.
Cheng Zitong's face was filled with a smile. He said, "Good. Before we delve into power techniques, you need to understand that a martial artist's combat system is something they build themselves, both in the present and the future. It's a lifelong journey for every fighter."
Chen Chuanxin said, "Someone from the Mutual Aid Society once came to recruit students, and they said the same thing. I can roughly understand it, but I'm not clear on the specifics."
Cheng Zitong explained, "I've never liked the Mutual Aid Society, but they do have some backing. As for Wu Yi, aside from the Fencing Department, we usually start teaching unarmed combat first, then move on to weapons, followed by other advantageous equipment. Finally, we aim to cultivate martial artists with independent combat capabilities who can handle various situations."
He emphasized, "The key here is that this process must be in sync with the growth of altered tissues."
Cheng Zitong gave an example, "In the Wrestling Department, most trainees prioritize the 'Cloak Power' technique. This is because Cloak Power's specialty is that during grappling and wrestling, it works in tandem with altered tissues, allowing power to spread throughout the body instantly, serving both offensive and defensive purposes."
He continued, "This is necessary because in close-quarters combat, your vital points are essentially in close proximity to your opponent. This isn't a ring fight where rules are followed. Whether it's the head, face, or the back of the neck and 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 made a fist with his fingers, keeping his upper arm still while raising his forearm slightly and then gently lowering it. With a 'crack', the small wooden table beside him shattered into scattered wooden pieces.
"This move is called 'Sky-Shattering Hammer'. It's characterized by its quick release of power and small movement, specifically designed to counter a certain type of wrestling technique."
Chen Chuanxin looked at the shattered table and the wooden splinters that had rolled in front of him. He could imagine that if he were to take such a blow to the back of his head during combat, it would undoubtedly shatter as well.
Cheng Zitong said, "But if you've trained in Cloak Power, as long as the power spreads throughout your body, you might be able to block this strike. Then, the next move could be your winning blow."
From a practical combat perspective, since power techniques require breath control to activate, they are often executed in the blink of an eye, making it difficult to discern from the surface. During a fight, experience and judgment are crucial, as life and death can be decided in an instant. It's not just about who has the more advanced power technique; it's also about how you use and seize the opportunity. But let's not dwell on this today; we'll skip over it for now.
Returning to the topic of power techniques, the growth direction of altered tissues can vary depending on the technique practiced. Again, taking Cloak Power as an example, through repeated training and stimulation of altered tissues, a layer of robust and resilient altered fascia will gradually form beneath the skin.
Each time a trainee exerts power, synchronized with their breath, the fascia tightens and stretches, naturally forming a protective layer as if they're wearing a sturdy and thick layer of armor. This is the origin of the name 'Cloak Power'.
With this layer of fascia, even when not actively using power, a martial artist gains better protection and increased strength. That's why most trainees in the Wrestling Department have decent resilience against strikes.
In ancient texts, Cloak Power is praised as being able to 'withstand iron and stone projectiles'. During the cold weapon era, a warrior with this ability, equipped with a full set of iron armor, would be an unstoppable force in the front lines. Imagine facing dozens or even hundreds of such warriors charging towards you. What kind of feeling would that evoke?"
Chen Chuanxin pictured the scene, and a sense of awe filled his heart.
Cheng Zitong said, "When you defeated Zhong Wu during the second trial, I reviewed his injury report. The most critical blow was to his chin, followed by the one to his ear. If not for your immense strength and precise timing, knocking him down would have been nearly impossible."
Chen Chuan acknowledged this, emphasizing the importance of the first and second kicks. The first kick was unexpected, while the second, relying on speed, struck during a breathing gap. These two kicks determined the subsequent course of events, as life and death could be decided in an instant on the martial arena.
Cheng Zitong continued, "Speaking of the Wrestling Department, let's also talk about the Grappling Department. The techniques practiced here often involve altered tissue permeating the muscles and bones, strengthening them and enhancing their flexibility and range of motion, which also facilitates better force exertion."
"Note that the Grappling Department doesn't necessarily involve altered tissue permeating the bones. It's about forming combat power with a specific focus. However, with the right stimuli and training methods, the altered tissue will grow and gradually adapt to suit your chosen combat style and approach."
Chen Chuan contemplated for a moment and nodded in understanding.
Cheng Zitong went on, "The examples I've given are to illustrate that the techniques you choose should align with your combat style and personal preferences. Don't be tempted by power or blindly follow others, selecting techniques that go against your own will or feel unnatural. The best ones are those that suit you."
Chen Chuan looked at him and said, "So, you're suggesting that students should have the freedom to choose the techniques they want to practice?"
"That's right," Cheng Zitong affirmed. "While other instructors believe their experience allows them to make better and more long-term decisions for students, you should understand that this initial choice can shape a student's entire future. So, it's best to be cautious."
"During our previous lessons, I sensed that you're a student with your own ideas. I can offer guidance, but the final decision is yours. Of course, if you feel uncertain about making the choice, and you trust me, I can help you decide."
Chen Chuan considered this and said, "Then, I'd like to first learn about the various techniques available at the academy."
Cheng Zitong pointed to a bookshelf beside them and said, "Most of the techniques taught at the academy are listed there. Feel free to browse."
Chen Chuan glanced at the bookshelf and walked over. He randomly picked up a bundle of bamboo slips, on which was written in ancient characters, the words 'Hoof Power'.
"This is a specialized technique for training strength," Cheng Zitong explained. "It's suitable for anyone practicing major techniques. There's also a technique called 'Swallowing Spring Power' with similar effects. These minor techniques are either used to support major techniques or are simplified versions of them. Just browse through them."
Chen Chuan took a quick look and put it back. He then picked up another bundle of bamboo slips, which read 'Serpent Body Power'. Cheng Zitong's voice echoed, "This is a mandatory technique in the Grappling Department. It enables you to control and manipulate the root, middle, and tip of your limbs with both rigid and flexible variations. For instance, with the flexible variation, if you master it well, you can grab your opponent and shake their bones..."
Chen Chuan casually opened the bamboo slips and found numerous hand-drawn human figures in various poses.
Cheng Zitong added, "Each technique must be practiced in conjunction with stance training, which can be static or dynamic. In the ancient era, static stances were prevalent, but now, dynamic stances are more common."
"Static stances are challenging to master and become ineffective after a certain period of time. They require specific talents, while dynamic stances are more accessible for various practitioners and can be aided by tools. For example, this is the ancient stance of 'Cloak Power'."
As he spoke, he stood up, clenching his fists against his chest and abdomen, his head bowed, and his body curled up with his toes tucked under. He looked like a fetus, but he was balanced on the tips of his toes, standing incredibly steady.
After Cheng Zitong finished his demonstration, Chen Chuan straightened up and asked, "I heard that Wu Yi Academy has a technique called 'Primordial Power'."
Cheng Zitong nodded and said, "Yes! It's a common technique in the academy. Once mastered, it significantly enhances your body's coordination, flexibility, and strength. For instance, the 'Sky-Shattering Hammer' I just demonstrated used Primordial Power."
"And once you delve deeper into this technique," he continued, "a cluster of altered tissue will form in your Dantian region."
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(End of Chapter)
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