https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-51-Great-Nourishment-Soup-Stepping-into-Qi-Xue-Jing/13688190/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-53-Blood-and-Qi-Surge-the-Door-to-Swordsmanship-Opens/13688192/
Chapter 52: Combat Technique and Combat Style, Four Directions Sword
"Combat Technique and Combat Style?" Lu Qing was taken aback.
"Yes," Old Doctor replied. "What we call a Combat Technique—also known as Yang Fa, or the Nourishing Method—is, as the name suggests, a way of cultivating the body, refining the flesh, and strengthening one’s physical power."
"The Nourish Body Fist I taught you is actually a Combat Technique I personally developed—a martial art dedicated to building a warrior’s body."
"As for Combat Style..." Old Doctor paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Wielders of the martial path are filled with vitality and spirit, their temperaments naturally bold and fiercely competitive. Inevitably, this drive to prevail has led them, over time, to develop countless highly aggressive Combat Techniques—what we call Combat Styles."
"Combat Style is also known as Sha Fa, the Killing Method. These martial arts aren’t meant to nurture the body or refine the flesh. Instead, they focus on delivering maximum destructive force with minimal cost—achieving the greatest possible killing power in the shortest time possible."
"Thus, when it comes to sheer killing power, Combat Style surpasses Combat Technique by a wide margin."
"Yang Fa and Sha Fa..." Lu Qing pondered the two terms deeply.
From just these names, he could already sense the harshness of the martial path—the unforgiving, life-or-death nature of it.
"Master," Lu Qing asked, "if the Nourish Body Fist is a Combat Technique, then what is our school’s Combat Style?"
The next words from Old Doctor struck Lu Qing like a gust of wind.
"We have no Combat Style."
Lu Qing’s face fell in disbelief.
"Don’t look so shocked," Old Doctor chuckled. "It’s not strange, really. I’m not skilled in combat. How could I create a powerful Combat Style?"
Lu Qing suddenly remembered—his master was a healer, a kind-hearted man who disliked conflict. Perhaps his lack of ambition to dominate was precisely why he never forged a true Combat Style.
"But," Old Doctor added, "though I myself lack the skill to create one, I do possess several excellent Combat Style techniques. Would you like to learn them?"
"Wait—what?" Lu Qing blinked. "Master, didn’t you just say our school has no strong Combat Style?"
"Our school truly has no outstanding Combat Style," Old Doctor affirmed. "Your great-grandmaster was merely a wandering doctor of ordinary talent, skilled in only basic martial arts for self-defense."
"It was only through a fortunate encounter in my youth that I managed to develop the Nourish Body Fist—my own Combat Technique."
"So, I’m not lying to you. Our lineage simply doesn’t have a renowned Combat Style."
Lu Qing frowned. "Then why did you—"
"My Combat Style techniques," Old Doctor explained, "were mostly acquired during my travels. Some were given as medical fees by martial heroes I treated. Others I purchased in the markets of major cities. And a few I even found by chance while gathering herbs in the mountains."
In just a few simple words, Lu Qing sensed the depth of his master’s extraordinary past.
But one thing still puzzled him.
"Master," he said, incredulous, "can Combat Techniques actually be bought?"
In his mind, such secrets were sacred—something no true martial artist would ever sell.
"Ah, the world is full of wonders," Old Doctor smiled. "When you travel beyond these mountains one day, you’ll learn that not only are Combat Technique manuals sold openly, but some legendary masters even publicly inscribe their entire life’s martial knowledge for all to study."
"Who would be so generous?" Lu Qing was stunned.
"One whose name is revered by every martial artist across the land," Old Doctor murmured, his gaze distant, as if lost in memory.
After a long silence, he snapped back. "Enough of that. Let’s return to the matter at hand."
"A Qing, as healers, our duty is to heal and save lives."
"But when traveling far from home, one cannot predict what dangers may arise. So, having some martial skill for self-defense is essential."
"The Nourish Body Fist is sufficient against ordinary people, but it falls short when facing other martial cultivators."
Lu Qing nodded. The Nourish Body Fist could be used in combat, but against a true Combat Style—especially one capable of unleashing devastating force—it would be at a serious disadvantage.
"You’ve now entered the Qi Xue Jing realm and become a true martial cultivator. It’s time to choose a Combat Style to train in."
"Master," Lu Qing asked eagerly, "what kinds of Combat Styles do you have?"
"I have several, but most are ordinary—suitable only for Qi Xue Jing cultivators. The truly refined ones? Only three. Wait here."
Old Doctor turned and disappeared into the house. A short while later, he returned, holding three books.
"These three are all Jin Gu Jing-level martial arts—one is a staff technique, one a sword art, and the third a sword-style Dao Fa. Which would you like to learn?"
Lu Qing’s eyes wandered over the three books.
He didn’t blurt out something foolish like, “I want them all.”
Though he possessed unique Abilities, he knew the truth: focus is key. As a mere Qi Xue Jing cultivator, mastering one art thoroughly was far better than spreading himself thin.
After a moment of thought, he made his decision.
"I’ll take the sword-style Dao Fa."
"Are you certain?" Old Doctor asked seriously. "Once chosen, this choice may shape your path for life."
"I’ve made my decision," Lu Qing said firmly. "I’ll learn the Dao Fa."
He wasn’t particularly drawn to the staff style, and the sword arts were merely average to him. But the Dao Fa—that was different. It spoke to him. It felt bold, fierce, and powerful—just like his own nature.
"Then take this," Old Doctor said, handing him one of the books.
Lu Qing accepted it, opened the first page—and his brow twitched.
"Four Directions Sword?"
"Yes," Old Doctor nodded. "This is the Four Directions Sword—a Dao-style martial art. I discovered this manual by chance while gathering herbs in the mountains."
"In a cave, I found the skeleton of a man long dead. His bones lay before a bundle wrapped in oil paper. Inside was this very book."
"After burying the remains, I took the manual with me."
Lu Qing stared, astonished. His master seemed to be blessed with more than just good fortune—each time he stepped into the wilds, he stumbled upon something legendary.
A young man with a lucky break creates a unique Combat Technique. A simple herb-gathering trip yields a rare martial art.
The luck was almost unbelievable.
"A Qing," Old Doctor continued, "I’ve only read this manual. I’ve never practiced it. So, while I can offer you guidance, I can’t teach you step by step."
"How far you advance depends entirely on you."
"I understand, Master."
"But," Old Doctor added, "though Four Directions Sword is exceptionally refined, even a Jin Gu Jing cultivator would struggle to withstand a single strike at its peak. And given your martial talent, mastering it shouldn’t be beyond your reach."
The confidence in his master’s voice made Lu Qing feel a little embarrassed.
If not for his Abilities, he might have truly disappointed him.
(End of Chapter)
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