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Chapter 6: Regulating Blood and Qi, the Beginning of Training
Chapter 6: Regulating Blood and Qi, the Beginning of Training
As Chen Chuan sat there, he could feel Yu Gang's towering presence, but it was only when he stood up that he realized this man was at least two meters tall. Despite his massive build, he didn't give off an oppressive aura; instead, he exuded a sense of solidity and stability.
At that moment, half of Yu Gang's body was bathed in the afternoon sunlight. In his distinctive deep voice, he said, "At Wu Yi University, during the second examination, a senior student will be arranged to face the examinees in combat. This has been the tradition for the past few decades. If you can defeat this student, you will be deemed to have passed."
"This senior student will only be confirmed a month before the official start of the semester, and their detailed information will be released to allow the examinees to prepare. At that time, the students will also have a month to make targeted preparations and training. You will need to do the same, so in reality, you only have two months."
"Two months..." Chen Chuan thought to himself. Even with his 'Second Self,' he couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency.
Yu Gang continued, "Two months. Using normal methods, it's impossible to make up for a gap of over a decade in just sixty days. So, we'll have to take drastic measures."
Lu Ke, standing beside him, whispered, "Master, do you mean forbidden substances?"
Yu Gang raised his hands and crossed them in front of his chest. In a deep voice, he said, "Stimulants that enhance potential are one method, but if you want to go far in this path, it's best not to touch them. That's not what I'm referring to."
He looked at the young and handsome teenager in front of him and said, "Chen Chuan, I will teach you a breathing technique. If you persist in this technique and delve deeper into its practice, it can comprehensively enhance your physical qualities. Even just learning the basics can improve your resistance and increase the effectiveness of your training. If you can master this breathing technique before the formal combat, you will have a chance to pass the second examination."
Chen Chuan had browsed through some books about competitive martial arts before the exam, but this was the first time he had heard of a breathing technique. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Master Yu, is this breathing technique some kind of secret skill?"
Yu Gang replied, "It's not a secret technique. It's also circulated among some martial arts clubs outside. They will teach you as long as you pay. However, if younger 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 it under the guidance of coaches and instructors. This breathing technique is dangerous, but it's also the only shortcut you can take right now. What do you think?"
Without hesitation, Chen Chuan said, "Please teach me, Master Yu!"
Yu Gang acknowledged his decisive response with a sound of approval.
To gain something, one must be willing to make sacrifices. If one doesn't even have this determination, then the subsequent training would merely be going through the motions.
However, no matter how well he spoke, the real test would be Chen Chuan's performance. The pain of practicing this breathing technique was not something ordinary people could endure.
Yu Gang said, "Your time is limited, and you must make the most of every day. Since we're starting today, let's begin right now. Do you have any questions?"
Chen Chuan replied confidently, "No questions."
Yu Gang took out a ten-yuan Jian Yuan currency note from his pocket and handed it to Lu Ke, "Go buy five kilograms of black rat meat and remember to get change."
"Yes, Master!" Lu Ke took the money, glanced at Chen Chuan, and dashed out.
Yu Gang walked to the side, picked up a wooden round stool, and placed it in front of Chen Chuan. "Come, sit down."
Once Chen Chuan was seated on the stool, Yu Gang spoke in a gentle tone, "Sit steady, relax your breath, and loosen your muscles, but don't slouch." As he spoke, he patted Chen Chuan's shoulders, waist, and other areas.
Following Yu Gang's instructions, Chen Chuan gradually relaxed his entire body.
Seeing that Chen Chuan had maintained his state, Yu Gang began to elaborate on the specific steps of the breathing technique. As he demonstrated, he also had Chen Chuan imitate the movements, teaching him how to grasp the rhythm, when to restrain, when to relax, and how to coordinate with his abdomen.
The entire breathing technique took over ten minutes to complete, but since some parts were repetitive, it was simpler when broken down. After demonstrating it about three times, Chen Chuan had memorized it.
Yu Gang then had Chen Chuan try it himself, pointing out and correcting any mistakes. Once Chen Chuan was thoroughly familiar with the technique, Yu Gang said, "The key to this breathing technique is to not view the separate steps as discontinuous breaths, but to treat them as a continuous whole. This is also the most challenging aspect. When you can breathe as one seamless flow, you will have mastered it."
Everyone's breathing rhythm is unique, making it challenging for others to assist during specific practice sessions. Chen Chuan sought advice from Mr. Yu Gang, asking how one can find the secret technique.
Yu Gang demonstrated, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to his breath. Chen Chuan observed that Yu Gang's breathing was slow and smooth, seemingly with little fluctuation. However, upon closer inspection, he realized it maintained a unique rhythm, composed of countless subtle breathing movements.
Simultaneously, Yu Gang's chest, abdomen, and other parts of his body exhibited slight tremors, which were the methods he had just taught. The seamless transitions made it appear no different from a regular person's breathing.
After practicing for a while, Yu Gang paused and asked if Chen Chuan understood. Chen Chuan inhaled and replied that he had a general understanding.
Yu Gang stressed the significance of breathing techniques for combat cultivation. He advised Chen Chuan to master it as soon as possible to progress further. Chen Chuan nodded in agreement.
Yu Gang explained that becoming proficient in breathing is just the first step. The entire breathing technique should be combined with medication to stimulate vitality and accelerate blood flow. Then, using the breathing technique, one can guide and connect with the medicinal force within the meridians, which the old martial arts term refers to as the 'life-sustaining mechanism.'
Yu Gang retrieved a packet of medicine powder from a partitioned area behind a clothes rack. He mentioned that it was initially intended for Lu Ke but was now available for Chen Chuan's use.
Just then, a voice from outside announced, "Master, I've brought the meat."
Lu Ke rushed in with a black bag. Yu Gang opened it, releasing a pungent, bloody odor that filled the room.
Chen Chuan glanced inside and saw chopped meat with blackened skin and normal-colored flesh underneath. Yu Gang, unaffected by the smell, nodded in approval and returned the meat to Lu Ke, instructing him to stew it and call him when it was ready.
Lu Ke assured Yu Gang and turned to leave, but his gaze fell on the medicine powder on the table. He paused momentarily, then quickly lowered his head and said he was stepping out.
Yu Gang acknowledged, and Lu Ke slowly walked out, glancing back before leaving. Yu Gang then had Chen Chuan practice the breathing technique again, ensuring he made no mistakes. He warned Chen Chuan not to become too proficient, as forming a habit would make it exceptionally challenging to grasp the meridians later. He urged Chen Chuan to start practicing as soon as possible.
Chen Chuan assured him of his readiness. Yu Gang, efficient in his actions, took out a bottle of medicinal wine, mixed it with the powder, and instructed Chen Chuan to remove his upper garment and pants, remaining relaxed and seated on a stool.
Yu Gang applied the prepared medicine ointment to Chen Chuan's back and guided him in applying it to his chest, abdomen, waist, and legs. He then handed Chen Chuan a clean blanket, instructing him to wrap it tightly to prevent the medicine from dissipating too quickly, which would allow for about half an hour of practice time. Chen Chuan concentrated, forcing himself into the state, and meticulously followed the breathing technique.
Initially, he felt nothing, but soon, a prickling pain spread across his skin, visible to the naked eye as it turned red like a cooked lobster.
The pain was bearable, but the constant waves of discomfort made it challenging to focus. As the medicine's effects intensified, the pain grew, making it difficult for Chen Chuan to maintain a steady breath.
(End of Chapter)
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