Chapter 762: Unity of Mind and Body
Chapter 762: Unity of Mind and Body
After Chen Chuan asked this question, he felt a sense of realization and looked up to see Xue Shou with his hands in his pockets, leaning against a tree across from him, observing him at that moment.
"Hmm, your mind and body have reached perfection, and you are indeed at the brink of breaking through. If you have the appropriate medication with you, you can attempt the breakthrough."
As he spoke, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and delight, "I didn't expect you to reach this stage so quickly. I thought it would take a little longer... Well, what is it that you want to ask?"
Chen Chuan said, "Teacher Xue, from what I understand, there are currently two ways to break through the limits. One is to seek it from within, primarily through the consumption of medication, and by self-regulation to achieve the breakthrough smoothly. This is the more mainstream method. The other method relies on external stimulation to seek unity between the inner and outer consciousness, thereby achieving the breakthrough."
"I've heard that the former method has a higher chance of success and is relatively safer, while the latter is more radical and riskier, with a lower success rate. But it also has its advantages, right?"
Xue Shou replied, "Your understanding is correct. In the Ancient Kingdom Religion, the first method is called the 'Calming Heart Mechanism', and the latter is known as 'Unity of Mind and Body'. Both are methods to break through that particular limit."
"But ultimately, they lead to the same destination."
"You must understand that regardless of the method, the goal is to create a resonance between the altered tissue and the self. The first method stimulates the altered tissue with medication, activating and energizing it. With sufficient willpower, you can then command them to assist and propel you beyond your limits."
"As for the second method, when your life is under intense threat, the altered tissue naturally activates without the need for medication. It instinctively harnesses all inner and outer forces to seek a way out and counter the threat. One is passive, while the other is proactive. Clearly, the latter brings greater benefits during the breakthrough."
"In the old times, the second method was often used. Therefore, 'Unity of Mind and Body' was also commonly used as a name for a realm by some sects."
"However, not everyone is willing to take such a risk. It's not that they don't want to, but they lack the means. In the old times, there was a lack of suitable medication to stimulate the altered tissue. To be honest, if there's a safe way to break through that limit, not many would choose to risk their lives."
Chen Chuan nodded. Stimulating the altered tissue with medication creates a separation, where one is being pushed. But when the altered tissue takes the initiative to improve, it aligns with the fighter's will, and the rewards of such a breakthrough are undoubtedly greater.
The method taught by Teacher Zuo mainly emphasized the orthodox and peaceful approach, although it mentioned the other method, it did not advocate for it and did not encourage members to pursue it.
Breaking through is already challenging, and any missing pieces can be made up for later with other means. There's no need to make it harder on oneself.
Chen Chuan agreed with this notion. He sought a perfect breakthrough, so personally, he preferred the second method.
In the current environment and conditions, it would be difficult to seek a stable breakthrough. But on the other hand, isn't this the best time to employ the other method? Chen Chuan said, "Teacher, I recall you mentioning that this mission isn't foolproof and may encounter variables. If that's the case, I may use the 'Unity of Mind and Body' method to break through the limits and ensure my safety."
Teacher Xue expressed his agreement, "Your consideration is right, and it's essential to be prepared..." He paused, "Since that's the case, I might as well tell you a method. There's a secret limit-breaking technique in the 'White Supreme Meditation' of the Ancient Kingdom Religion that might be of better assistance to you."
Suddenly, Chen Chuan felt a faint glow from the mental imprint in his hand, and his mind immediately received the secret technique's inheritance. This was an unexpected delight, and he sincerely thanked Teacher Xue.
Teacher Xue smiled and said, "It's nothing. As I've told you, the secret techniques of the Ancient Kingdom Religion now require many specific medications, and most of them are unusable. Currently, I can only teach you what I've just shared."
"But if you plan to choose to break through in a critical moment to ensure your safety, there are some additional considerations. As your teacher, I might as well help you further."
"This strand of my consciousness was meant to warn you and discard the relic to help you escape in times of need. But now, I'll teach you a Secret Sect Ritual. By setting it up, my spiritual power should be able to manifest more effectively, at least enough to block a few attacks from certain individuals."
Upon hearing this, Chen Chuan's spirit soared, and he asked, "In that case, Teacher Xue, do we need to choose a suitable location?"
"There's no need. Just draw it on your jacket, but you'll need some specific Secret Sect materials. I recall you brought quite a few, right?"
"Yes, I did," Chen Chuan confirmed.
Teacher Xue smiled, "Good, then go and get the materials now. Let's start immediately and complete it as soon as possible."
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "I'll go get it right away."
As the two of them spoke, news of the defeat of two elite squads from the Old Imperial House had already been swiftly transmitted to the rear via telegraph.
In the midst of the Old Imperial House army facing the Datong Defense Department's base, on a highland, General Wei Guozhen of the War General, wearing a white-feathered helmet and a thick, full-body Xuan armor, rode atop a dragon-nosed horse that stood almost as tall as an elephant.
He stared at the fortifications and sentry posts ahead, but his gaze, hidden behind his faceplate, remained fixed on the tallest and most formidable fortification.
At that moment, a telegraph operator at the rear received a message, immediately removed his headphones, and rushed up the hill, kneeling down and presenting the telegraph above his head, saying,
"General, an urgent message from the rear. The Flying Serpent, White Reed, and General Wei's elite cavalry have all failed to secure the relic. It has been confirmed that two squads from the White Reed Army and the cavalry led by General Wei have been ambushed and annihilated by the enemy... the entire team has been wiped out."
After finishing, he bowed his head.
A moment of silence fell upon the hill, and all that could be heard was the sound of the wind blowing past their ears.
After a while, as the officers and guards around them felt cold sweat seeping from their backs, a deep voice emerged from beneath the armor, "Prepare the airship."
"Yes, sir!"
The tense nerves of the crowd finally relaxed, and they responded in unison with a loud affirmation. Only then did they realize that the General... was going to take action personally?
On the highest point of the largest fortification across from their army, a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows, tiger-like eyes, a full head of hair, and a white-frosted beard sat atop a military box, his sturdy fingers holding a small, steaming hot drink.
He wore a slightly worn-out uniform, with a cloak draped over his robust physique, but it too seemed a bit aged.
Footsteps approached, and an officer hurried onto the rooftop terrace, saluting him, "Reporting to Principal Yao, the observer has spotted the personal airship of General Wei Guozhen of the Old Imperial House taking off."
"I see it," Yao Zhiyi replied.
Yao Zhiyi watched as a massive airship rose from the camp, standing up from the military box, his tall figure casting a broad shadow.
"Since Wei Guozhen has made his move, this old man should get some exercise too."
At that moment, a messenger rushed over and handed the officer a telegraph, which the latter read with a start, then looked up and said, "Principal, we've received an insider report that the Gai Clan's flag has been raised in the Old Imperial House's central army tent."
"The Gai Clan?"
Yao Zhiyi looked ahead, not at all surprised, and said, "I expected as much."
He clenched his fist, the joints cracking, turned around, and took a long-handled, thick-backed saber from the rack behind him, and with a sweep of his hand, removed all the decorations.
"Prepare the airship, I'm going to have a chat with Wei Guozhen."
"Principal?"
The officer was taken aback.
"What, didn't you hear my order?"
"Yes, sir!"
The officer saluted and then asked, "If the Principal is not here, what about the base..."
Yao Zhiyi inspected the saber in his hand and said, "What's there to be afraid of? The young master of the Gai Clan will have someone to play with him."
He turned and walked along the cable car set up on the high ground of the fortification, all the way to his personal airship. Then, frowning, he looked back at the military band behind him, "What's going on? Why is there no sound?"
"Yes, sir!"
The military band hurriedly began playing, the music soaring to the heavens.
Yao Zhiyi's furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and with a flourish, he threw back his cloak, slamming the saber onto the custom floor with a loud thud, and said, looking ahead, "Let's get going."
In a camp behind the base, Xue Shou sat flipping through a colorful illustrated novel, a cup of hot tea by his side, thoroughly engrossed.
A young major holding a telegraph approached cautiously and said, "Mr. Xue," before presenting the telegraph.
Xue Shou glanced at it and said, "So, it's my turn?"
The young major quickly replied, "We've prepared an airship for you, and it will take only ten minutes to reach the standoff area at the front lines."
Xue Shou said okay, put down the novel, and stood up to leave. However, in his place, he left behind an exact copy of himself, who then picked up the novel and started reading.
The young major was stunned, looking at the Xue Shou walking ahead and the one sitting there, unable to tell which was real and which was fake.
At that moment, the sitting Xue Shou lifted the unfinished tea, glanced at him, and said, "Anything else?"
"N-no, that's all!"
The young major forced himself not to think too much and hurriedly followed the Xue Shou ahead.
After they left, the sitting Xue Shou watched for a while before standing up and leaving, but this time, he headed towards Central City.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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