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Chapter 6: Regulating Blood and Qi for Training
Chapter 6: Regulating Blood and Qi for Training
As Yu Gang sat there, Chen Chuan could sense his towering stature. But when he stood up, he realized that this man was at least two meters tall, yet his massive build didn't give off an oppressive feeling; instead, it exuded a sense of steadiness and solidity.
At this moment, under the afternoon sun, Yu Gang's deep voice resonated, "At Wu Yi University, during the second round of trials, a senior student will be arranged to face the candidates. It has been a tradition for many years that defeating this senior student will secure your pass."
The senior student will only be decided a month before the official start of the semester, and detailed information will be released to allow the candidates to prepare. By then, the students will also have a month to make targeted preparations and training. You will need this step as well, so in reality, you only have two months."
"Two months..." Chen Chuan thought to himself. Even with the 'Second Self,' he couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency.
Yu Gang continued, "In two months, using normal methods, it's impossible to make up for a gap that others have worked for over a decade in just sixty days. So, we can only take a more aggressive approach."
Lu Ke whispered beside him, "Master, are you talking about banned substances?"
Yu Gang raised his hands and crossed them in front of his chest. In a deep voice, he said, "Performance-enhancing drugs are one method, but if you want to go far on this path, it's best not to touch them. I'm not referring to that kind."
Looking at the handsome youth in front of him, he said, "Chen Chuan, I will teach you a breathing technique. If you persist in practicing this technique and delve deeper into your training, it can comprehensively improve your physical qualities. Even with a basic understanding, you can enhance your resilience and increase the effectiveness of your training. If you can master this breathing technique before the formal confrontation, you will have a chance to pass the second round."
Before the exam, Chen Chuan had flipped through some books about competitive fighting, but this was the first time he heard about a breathing technique. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Mr. Yu, is this breathing technique some kind of secret skill?"
Yu Gang replied, "This isn't a secret. It's circulated among some of the fist societies outside. They will teach you as long as you pay. However, if young students practice this breathing technique too early, it can cause irreversible damage to their bodies. So, those who have trained from a young age usually wait until after enrollment to practice under the guidance of coaches and instructors. Although the breathing technique is dangerous, it's also the only shortcut you can take right now. What do you think?"
Without hesitation, Chen Chuan said, "Please teach me, Mr. Yu!"
Yu Gang acknowledged his determination with a sound of agreement. To gain something, one must be willing to give. If one doesn't even have this determination, then the subsequent training would be just going through the motions.
However, no matter how well one speaks, it's the actions that matter. The pain of practicing this breathing technique is not something an ordinary person can endure.
Yu Gang said, "Your time is limited. Every day counts. Sit still, relax your breath, and don't tense your muscles, but don't slack off either." As he spoke, he patted his shoulders, waist, and spine.
Chen Chuan followed his instructions, and gradually, his entire body relaxed.
Seeing that Chen Chuan had maintained the right state, Yu Gang began to explain the breathing technique in detail, demonstrating and letting him imitate the movements, teaching him how to grasp the rhythm, when to be restrained, when to relax, and how to coordinate with his abdomen.
The entire breathing technique took over ten minutes to complete, but some parts were repetitive, so when broken down, it wasn't that complex. After demonstrating it three or four times, Chen Chuan had memorized it.
Yu Gang then let Chen Chuan practice it himself, pointing out and correcting his mistakes. Once Chen Chuan became thoroughly familiar with it, Yu Gang said, "The key to the breathing technique is to view the dispersed steps as a continuous flow of breath, rather than a series of discrete actions. This is the most challenging part. When your breathing becomes seamless, you will have mastered it."
Everyone's breathing rhythm is unique, and it's difficult for outsiders to help during specific practices. You must find the knack through continuous experimentation."
Chen Chuan asked for guidance, "Mr. Yu, how do we know when we've found the knack?"
Yu Gang stood there and said, "I can demonstrate. Pay attention to my breath." As he spoke, he intentionally deepened his breathing.
Chen Chuan focused on the sensation and was surprised to find that Yu Gang's breathing was slow and relaxed. At first glance, the undulations seemed subtle, but upon closer inspection, he realized that it maintained a unique rhythm, composed of countless tiny breaths connected in sequence.
Simultaneously, his chest, abdomen, and other parts of his body maintained a slight tremor. When analyzed in segments, it was the method he had just taught, but because the transitions were so natural, it appeared no different from ordinary breathing on the surface.
After practicing for a while, Yu Gang stopped and asked, "Do you understand?"
Chen Chuan took a breath and said, "I roughly understand."
Yu Gang said, "Breath regulation is extremely important. If you want to progress further in your martial arts training, you must master it, and the earlier, the better."
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "Mr. Yu, I understand."
Yu Gang continued, "Becoming proficient in breathing is just the first step. The entire breath regulation technique requires the use of medicinal drugs to stimulate your vitality, accelerate your blood flow, and then use your breath to guide and find the connection between your strength and meridians. In ancient martial arts, this is called the 'Life Sustaining Mechanism'."
He walked behind a partition where clothes were hanging, and when he returned, he held a packet of medicinal powder. "This was originally for Lu Ke, but he tried it and gave up. Now, you can use it first."
Just then, a voice came from outside, "Master, I've bought the meat."
Lu Ke rushed in with a black bag. Yu Gang took it, opened it, and a strong, bloody stench immediately filled the room.
Chen Chuan took a glance and saw that it was full of chopped meat. The outer skin was black, while the inner layer was a normal meat color.
Yu Gang was unaffected by the smell and nodded, "The color is good, very fresh." He threw the bag back to Lu Ke, "Go and stew it. Call me when it's done."
Lu Ke said, "Master, don't worry." As he turned, his gaze fell on the medicinal powder on the table, and he paused. "Master, I'm going out."
Yu Gang acknowledged, and Lu Ke slowly walked out. As he left, he turned back to look once more before quickening his pace.
Yu Gang then asked Chen Chuan to practice the breathing technique again, ensuring there were no mistakes. "Your breathing shouldn't become too familiar. If it becomes a habit, it will be difficult to grasp the meridians. So, start practicing as soon as possible. Are you ready?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Mr. Yu, I'm ready to begin anytime."
Yu Gang was efficient in his actions. He took out a bottle of medicinal wine, poured in the medicinal powder, dissolved it, and instructed Chen Chuan to remove his shirt and remain relaxed, sitting on a stool.
Yu Gang applied the medicinal ointment to Chen Chuan's back, guided him to apply it to his chest, abdomen, waist, and legs, and finally, he threw a clean blanket at Chen Chuan, instructing, "Wrap it tightly to prevent the medicinal power from dissipating too quickly. This should last for about half an hour. Now, hurry and use the breathing technique I just taught you to find the connection between the meridians."
Chen Chuan immediately focused his mind. He forced himself into a state, meticulously following the steps of the breath regulation technique.
At first, he didn't feel anything, but after a while, a needle-like pain spread across his skin, visible to the naked eye, turning his skin red like a boiled lobster.
To be honest, the pain was bearable, but it was highly disruptive. Waves of pain kept coming, intensifying as the medicinal power dispersed, making it difficult to concentrate. Initially, his breathing was controlled, but soon it became chaotic.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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