https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-51-Nourishing-Soup-and-Entering-the-Qi-and-Blood-Realm/12618795/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-53-Qi-and-Blood-Eruption-Initiation-into-the-Quad-Directional-Sword-Technique/12618797/
Chapter 52: Training Techniques and Combat Styles, the Four-Directional Sword
Chapter 52: Training Techniques and Combat Styles, the Four-Directional Sword
"Training techniques and combat styles?" Lu Qing was surprised.
"Indeed," the old doctor replied.
"The so-called training technique, also known as the nurturing technique, is self-explanatory. It is a method of cultivating and tempering the physical body to enhance one's physical strength."
"The Nurturing Fist technique I taught you is actually a training technique in the form of a martial art that I created myself."
"As for combat styles..."
The old doctor paused to organize his thoughts before continuing.
"Martial artists who cultivate their martial ways have abundant qi and blood, high spirits, and strong personalities. Their competitive nature is inevitable."
"In the long history of conflicts, martial artists have developed numerous aggressive techniques, also known as combat styles, to gain the upper hand."
"Combat styles are also referred to as killing techniques. These martial arts focus less on nurturing the body and tempering the flesh but emphasize inflicting the most destructive and lethal damage to opponents in the shortest time and at the lowest cost."
"Consequently, when it comes to sheer destructive power, combat style martial arts are far superior to training technique martial arts."
"Nurturing and killing techniques..." Lu Qing contemplated the two terms, sensing the imbalance in the path of martial arts. It was a cruel path where life and death were constantly at stake.
"Master, if the Nurturing Fist is a training technique, what is our lineage's combat style?" Lu Qing asked curiously.
"Our lineage has no combat style."
The old doctor's next statement left Lu Qing astonished.
"There's no need for that expression," the old doctor said with a hint of amusement. "It's not surprising that your master, who isn't skilled in combat, hasn't created any formidable combat styles."
Lu Qing then recalled that his master was a physician with a kind heart, not inclined towards fighting.
Perhaps his lack of a competitive spirit was the reason he hadn't developed any formidable combat styles.
"However, although I'm not adept at fighting, I possess a few decent combat-style martial arts. Would you like to learn them?"
"Huh?" Lu Qing was taken aback once more. "But Master, didn't you just say that our lineage lacks outstanding combat styles?"
"Indeed, our lineage lacks outstanding combat styles." The old doctor affirmed.
"Your ancestor, who was also my master, was once an ordinary traveling doctor in the martial world, knowing only a few basic self-defense techniques."
"Later, when I was younger, I had some extraordinary encounters, which led to the creation of the Nurturing Fist technique."
"So, when I say that our lineage lacks outstanding combat styles, I'm not deceiving you."
Lu Qing asked, "But Master, you just said..."
"Most of the combat-style martial arts I possess were acquired during my travels. Some were given to me by martial artists I treated as payment for my medical services, while others I purchased in the markets of large cities or stumbled upon while gathering herbs in the mountains."
Lu Qing could sense his master's extraordinary experiences from his brief explanation.
However...
"Master, can techniques actually be bought?" Lu Qing found it hard to believe.
In his understanding, techniques and secret manuals should be the most prized possessions of martial artists. Who would put them up for sale?
"Hehe, this world is vast and full of wonders. When you have the opportunity to venture out, you'll discover that not only are there people selling techniques and manuals, but there are also those who openly share their lifelong learnings with the world." The old doctor chuckled.
"Who would be so generous?" Lu Qing exclaimed in surprise.
"That person is a revered and admired martial artist by all in the martial world."
The old doctor fell silent, his face reflecting a faraway look as if he were lost in his thoughts about this remarkable figure.
Chapter 52: Training Techniques and Combat Styles, the Four-Directional Sword
Lu Qing was silent for a long while before he came back to his senses. "Alright, enough of that for now. Let's not dwell on it."
"Ah Qing, although we, as healers, should make curing illnesses and saving people our duty..." The old doctor paused, then continued, "Sometimes, when we venture out, we may encounter all sorts of unforeseen dangers. That's why it's essential to have some self-defense skills."
"The Nurturing Fist is adequate for dealing with ordinary people, but it may not be sufficient when facing other martial artists who have also cultivated their combat techniques."
Lu Qing nodded in agreement.
While the Nurturing Fist could be used in combat, it would be at a disadvantage against martial arts that could unleash powerful attacks.
"Now that you've entered the Qi and Blood Realm and become a true martial artist, it's time for you to choose a combat-style martial art to cultivate."
"Master, what kind of combat-style martial art can I learn?" Lu Qing asked eagerly.
"I have quite a few combat-style martial arts here, but most of them are rather ordinary and can only be practiced up to the Qi and Blood Realm. There are only three truly exceptional martial arts, and I'll let you choose one of them. Wait a moment."
The old doctor walked into the house and soon returned with three books.
"These three martial arts are a spear art, a sword art, and a knife art. Each of them is a Muscle and Bone Realm martial art. Which one would you like to learn?"
Lu Qing's eyes shifted between the three secret manuals.
He didn't say anything foolish like, "I want to learn them all."
Despite his extraordinary ability, he understood that greed often led to failure.
As a mere Qi and Blood Realm martial artist, he knew that focusing on one martial art was the best choice.
After some contemplation, Lu Qing finally said, "I choose the knife art."
"Are you sure? Once you make your decision, it may influence your future path in martial arts." The old doctor said solemnly.
"Disciple has made up his mind. I choose the knife art," Lu Qing replied firmly.
He wasn't very interested in spear arts, and sword arts didn't appeal to him much either.
On the other hand, knife arts exuded a sense of dominance and power that resonated with him.
"Since you've decided, take this manual." The old doctor handed one of the books to Lu Qing.
Lu Qing took the manual and opened the first page, his eyebrows raising in surprise. "'Four-Directional Knife'?''
"Yes, this knife art is called the Four-Directional Knife. I discovered this manual by accident while collecting herbs in the mountains. I found it in a cave along with a corpse that had turned into dry bones. In front of the skeleton was an oil-paper package that contained this Four-Directional Knife manual."
"After burying the skeleton, I took the manual with me."
Lu Qing was astonished as he listened to his master's story.
It seemed like his master had quite a few extraordinary encounters.
Not only had he discovered the Nurturing Fist, a nameless and extraordinary technique, when he was younger, but he had also stumbled upon a martial arts manual during a mountain herb-collecting trip.
His luck was truly incredible.
"Ah Qing, I've only read through this Four-Directional Knife manual and haven't cultivated it myself. Since you've chosen this knife art, I can only offer you some cultivation advice. The rest will depend on your own efforts."
"Disciple understands," Lu Qing nodded.
"Although the Four-Directional Knife art is exquisite, and its profound techniques can even threaten Muscle and Bone Realm martial artists, with your martial arts talent, mastering it shouldn't be difficult." The old doctor expressed his confidence in Lu Qing, making him feel a little embarrassed.
If it weren't for his special ability, he might have disappointed his master.
(End of Chapter)
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