Chapter 52: The Choice
Chapter 52: The Choice
Cheng Zitong demonstrated the Primordial Force Stance in front of Chen Chuan, starting from the Embrace Breath Style and ending with the Backbone Mountain Style, just as Yu Gang had previously shown him.
Chen Chuan couldn't discern which of them had a higher level of skill, but he felt that Yu Gang's breath seemed to be more in harmony with this stance.
Cheng Zitong pressed his abdomen and said, "The source of the Primordial Force lies here. In the Ancient Era, there was a concept called 'Qi Sink to Dantian,' which refers to using the altered fascial tissue in the Dantian as the core to drive the power of the entire body."
"Maintaining this position here, and keeping the center of gravity stable, the word 'sink' expresses it all. It's like a ballast stone, weighing down the body, but once it's set in motion, a powerful force bursts forth."
As Chen Chuan listened to Cheng Zitong's explanations, he examined each of the main power techniques one by one. There weren't many, only about a dozen or so, with the rest being minor techniques.
According to Cheng Zitong, some of the major techniques were extremely difficult to cultivate and required a higher level of altered tissue, so trainees could only start with the minor techniques or focus on them primarily. Usually, at least two or more power techniques were needed to form combat effectiveness.
However, this approach made the Combat System seem scattered. If external forces were not considered, and only the individual's abilities were compared, the minor techniques were inferior to the major ones. But humans would find ways to compensate for their shortcomings, especially with the use of tools. With various assistive tools, the gap between them wasn't as significant.
Nowadays, those who practiced major techniques would also cultivate some minor ones, which could prove highly effective in critical moments.
Chen Chuan walked to the rightmost row at the back, where fewer bamboo slips were displayed. There was only one lonely bundle in the middle, and as he approached it, Cheng Zitong's gaze became particularly attentive.
He reached out and picked up the middle bamboo slip, glanced at it, and saw the words 'Mystic Form Power' written on it. Upon opening it, he found densely packed illustrations of stances, with rows of vertical annotations from previous practitioners alongside them.
At the same time, inside the Administration Building, High Master, Yue Hong, and Bian Feng were in the Recruitment Office. Yue Hong said, "An hour ago, Director Cheng led a group to the Inquiry Hall Training Pavilion. They should be preparing to formally teach the Power Techniques."
Bian Feng asked, "Will he choose that Power Technique?"
Yue Hong was optimistic, "He should, right? It's the best technique in the academy, and it has handwritten annotations from generations of practitioners. Initially... he also chose this one."
High Master spoke in a deep voice, "The best? Not necessarily. Only what suits oneself is truly the best."
Yue Hong said, "High Master, trainees often don't know what their true choice is. They still need guidance from their predecessors."
High Master said, "With Cheng Zitong here, he would criticize you for having a completely biased view. The results will soon to be known will reveal everything."
Meanwhile, on the North Peak, opposite to the South Hill, the Recommended Students were engaging in activities together, and one of them was using a crossbow to shoot at a human-shaped target. One of the students noticed his unusual behavior, turned around curiously, and walked over.
Lin Mian stepped back a little, adjusted the lens, and said, "You know, I just heard that Cheng Zitong took a trainee to the Hall of Reflection. He's right across from us now. What does that remind you of?"
The student who asked the question initially seemed casual, but then he froze, surprised, and clenched his teeth, saying, "I remember that annoying guy was also taken there... He turned to the side and asked the senior student, "Senior Brother, Cheng Zitong took a student there? What is the school administration up to?"
The senior student slowly nocked an arrow, smiling, "Someone is dissatisfied with what happened two years ago, so the school management has been searching for someone like that. They might have placed their hopes on this trainee."
The student asking the question seemed to lose his composure a little, saying, "What should we do? Can we handle it like we did two years ago?"
The senior student smiled, "Don't be hasty. Let's see the results first." As he spoke, he lifted the crossbow, aimed at the target, narrowed his eyes, and lightly pulled the trigger. The crossbow bolt hit the red bullseye in the distance.
In the Hall of Reflection Training Pavilion, Chen Chuan flipped through the bundle of bamboo slips in his hand. After selecting the power techniques, this was the longest time he had spent doing so. Cheng Zitong remained seated and silent.
Chen Chuan could tell that this manual was not ordinary, especially given its location. As described, it detailed the cultivation method and key points, but it lacked specific descriptions of which parts of the body would experience growth in altered tissue.
The illustrations depicted intricate tattoo-like patterns on the practitioner's chest and back, becoming clearer and more complex as they extended deeper, eventually resembling an angry face.
After examining it, Chen Chuan said, "Instructor, this manual has a very unique technique."
Cheng Zitong replied, "The Mystic Form Force is one of the most profound techniques in the academy. I haven't practiced it, and I've had little exposure to it, so I can't say how the altered tissue grows. I only know that this technique has high entry requirements, and those who have chosen it in the past have achieved great things. About three years ago, there was another trainee who selected this technique..."
He seemed to intentionally bring up this topic, but Chen Chuan didn't ask any questions. Instead, he returned the manual to its place and walked over to the cushion, sitting down and asking, "Instructor, are there other techniques?"
"What?" Cheng Zitong was surprised. "You don't want to learn the Mystic Form Force?"
Chen Chuan calmly replied, "I don't think it suits me."
Cheng Zitong's expression became complex, a mix of regret and relief. After a moment, he said, "If it doesn't suit you, then that's that. But after looking through so many techniques, is there none that interests you?"
Chen Chuan glanced at the bookshelf and asked, "Are all the academy's techniques here?"
Cheng Zitong shook his head. "Not all of them. Some are not unique and are quite common, so they're not kept here. Tell me, what kind of technique are you looking for, and I'll help you find it."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment before asking, "Are there techniques that encompass all kinds of characteristics?"
"Techniques that encompass all kinds of characteristics?" Cheng Zitong was taken aback, his expression slightly perplexed. "Is that what you're after?"
(End of Chapter)
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