Chapter 001: Martial Arts

Riding on horseback, as Master Guo Hou left the escort agency, Chen Qian still had not recovered from his complex emotions. Resentment and anger filled his heart, until that piercing remark broke through his thoughts, bringing him back to reality.

The second lock breathes in and out, mobilizing the heart's fire, stimulating latent potential, and increasing the explosive power of punches and kicks, while nurturing the internal organs with the body's heat, thereby enhancing physical constitution

As the hour of the rabbit passed, the streets gradually came to life with the presence of people, the sounds of vendors calling out and shouting began to fill the streets and alleys, echoing far and wide, and the entire city of Hanzhou became lively all at once

Martial arts

Taking another deep breath, Chen Qiang suppressed his inner turmoil and looked up at the sky.

Hold your breath, straighten your spine, close your pores, and mobilize your inner fire. After a round of practicing punches, the body feels as described in the books: unbearably hot, unable to expel or express. However, beneath the restraint of this heat, it remains difficult to sense the resonance between the internal and external. Not to mention the force being transmitted from the outside to the inside, there isn't even a hint of sensation. At this rate, when will I truly advance to the level of connecting energy?

He was dressed in a dark-colored short robe with a crossover collar. In the midst of his movements, the sleeves rolled up on his arms subtly shifted. Within his clothing, his body was relaxed and extended, his torso standing upright. He practiced a series of actions—striking, hammering, stabbing, chopping, and hooking—repeatedly, while his feet coordinated with the movements of his arms. His knees flexed and extended, making him appear to rise and fall, yet his center of gravity remained stable.

Chen Qian suddenly felt a rush of air coming towards him, which was actually caused by the movement of air generated by the person in front of him

In an instant, the body that had not yet shed a drop of sweat was already drenched through the clothing.

At the beginning, he made rapid progress, as he possessed the thoughts and memories from his previous life. However, soon after, the issue of being unable to accurately perceive his own changes arose, becoming increasingly evident, ultimately constraining Chen Qian's cultivation speed

At this thought, a slight change occurred on Chen Qian's otherwise calm face, with a vein on his forehead pulsating

Hello!

Chen Qian touched the pendant that was tied around his neck, feeling the red bead that his father had obtained a few years ago. The names of the two individuals surfaced in his mind

With thoughts swirling in his mind, Chen Qian slightly moved his legs and swung his arms gently. Amidst the sound of his loose sleeves making a "pop" as they swung, sweat broke out all over his body, and a faint mist began to rise around him.

Chen Qian still clearly remembers the scene when Ye Yi calmly uttered this sentence

These clearly exceed the definition of martial arts as understood by Chen Qian in his impressions.

One could see that this person was dressed in a tattered blue shirt covered in mud, with hair disheveled like straw, and a dirty face revealing a hint of a vacant, foolish smile

With his thoughts settled, he set off to leave

These are two names that represent astonishing power; at least, in today's context, Chen Qian cannot even meet one of them. However, the current situation of their family is a result of a casual remark made by these two individuals.

Upon seeing this person's figure, both Chen Qian and the Wang family were momentarily taken aback

This woman is indeed Wang, the mother of Chen Qian

After exhaling, Chen Qian stood in place, silent and with a furrowed brow, which tightened even further. After a considerable amount of time, he finally let out a soft sigh.

This world possesses true martial arts

This world, like the previous one, is empty without achievements. If one wishes to silence them and seek justice, one must possess the necessary resources. Let us see whether this attempt to pay respects at the mountain gate will be successful this time.

The cultivation of a warrior is a continuous process of self-awareness and self-mastery. Upon reaching a profound level, one can discern even the most subtle injuries within the body with great clarity

Chen Qianze allowed the strange person to pull him along, feeling somewhat dazed in his heart. In a fleeting moment, he seemed to see his father, who was in a normal state of mind several years ago, sternly instructing him in martial arts.

At this moment, Wang seemed to awaken from a dream, her face revealing a hint of anger: "Chen Zhongkun! What exactly do you want to do? Qian'er is going to attend the initiation ceremony today. Is it not enough that you have brought disaster to a family to this extent? Do you still want to ruin Qian'er's future?"

At that time, the six-year-old Chen Qian was on the brink of death due to a serious illness, and thus, by a twist of fate, a soul from Earth occupied this body. After an initial period of confusion, the newly reborn Chen Qian gradually integrated into this world reminiscent of ancient Huaxia and discovered its wonders

The Chen Qian family is an ordinary household

Since we are fortunate to arrive in such a world, we should persevere and courageously strive for the peak, ultimately understanding the true meaning of martial arts, which would not be in vain for our new life, but...

Indeed, today the escort leader is going to attend the initiation ceremony

At that moment, the man suddenly reached out a hand and grasped Chen Qian's shoulder

He was punching while squinting his eyes, his expression seemingly calm, yet his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were sensing something.

Currently, the Xiren have entered the pass and established the Daxi Dynasty in the north. The situation in the four directions has initially stabilized, but there are still remnants of conflict in the northwest, leading to a scarcity of resources. The original trade routes have not yet been restored. The beef and mutton are being sold at astonishing prices, having been purchased at great expense by merchants from the northern grasslands. For ordinary families, it is very difficult to afford meat except during festivals.

Yet he remained unaware, simply standing in place, continuing to swing his arms and shake his legs, while his mind was occupied with thoughts

Chen Qian furrowed his brows upon hearing this: "Mother, we have already spent too much on this matter of mediation. In a few months, we will also have to incur expenses for Grandfather's birthday. How can we possibly spend more money? This time, whether I succeed or not, it will only take two or three days. What expenses could there possibly be?"

A comprehensive cultivation system allowed Chen Qian to begin his exposure to and practice of martial arts at a young age, even when his bones were still fragile and undeveloped

Of course, he rationally set aside the descriptions from the elders about moving mountains and filling seas, and flying with dragons, which were almost mythical tales. However, just by understanding the actual situation himself was enough to stir his emotions, as some deeply hidden dreams and ambitions resurfaced in his heart

Chen Qian, or rather, the current soul, has traversed from a blue planet known as Earth

What Chen Qian was frowning and worried about was precisely this matter

Oh no! The old escort is indeed a master of the Qi and Blood realm; I cannot withstand it

Practicing skills requires sensitivity; without sensitivity, one cannot achieve mastery

In early spring, the dry state of Danzhou still feels piercingly cold in the morning, as it is indeed a region in the northwest, and this intense chill will take a few more months to truly dissipate

In the end, this oddly dressed man seemed to have touched upon a deep-seated concern, and unexpectedly began to weep.

Practicing martial arts and cultivating oneself, one ascends step by step, experiencing the realms of the mortal body, vital energy, and the circulatory system. Only after achieving a thorough understanding of both the internal and external aspects of oneself can one, with great ability and perseverance, advance further into the mysterious and unfathomable realm of innate secrets. It can be said that each step is remarkable, each layer is thrilling, leaving one in awe...

Before he could finish his sentence, a figure suddenly dashed out from behind him. As this person landed on the ground, a series of "tap tap" sounds echoed, and in the blink of an eye, he had crossed the distance from the doorway to the dining table, appearing right in front of Chen Qian

When Chen Qian had nearly finished eating, Wang stood up to tidy his attire. At this moment, Chen Qian had already changed into a brand new set of dark-colored attire.

Subsequently, the father's misfortunes led to their family being expelled from their home, and they had to move to this arid state to fend for themselves.

If a martial artist were present, they would immediately recognize this as the widely circulated Breaking Formation Fist technique

Chen Zhongkun? I do not like this name, nor do I like this person, who is unaware of propriety and does not recognize rank and status

Chen Family Escort Agency, South of the City

Lacking the guidance of his grandfather, without the books for study, and also deprived of the medicinal herbs to supplement his physical nourishment, Chen Qian finally found himself lacking momentum after advancing to the Locking Breath stage three years ago, making it difficult to progress even slightly.

Chen Qian continued to practice his martial arts with closed eyes for over half an hour, before finally withdrawing his fists and exhaling slowly. A breath was released gently, forming a mist that lingered in the cold air.

"Oh, isn't this Chen Qian? What’s up? Looking at your outfit, are you planning to attend the initiation ceremony of the Kaiyang Sect?" The tone of the words was mocking, direct and explicit

Beside the dining table, a middle-aged woman sits upright. She has her hair styled in a bun and is dressed in a plain-colored ru skirt. Her slightly wrinkled face is filled with contentment as she quietly watches Chen Qian eat

Moreover, Chen Qian also received some information from his elders, learning that martial arts cultivation could reach a certain level, enabling one to cross a river on a single reed, pluck leaves like blades, and injure others with one's breath

Thinking of this, Chen Qian looked at his own hands

But these images quickly shattered, transforming into a middle-aged person before me, weeping and behaving erratically.

Old escort! Please do not add to the chaos

Those who venture out early in the city will wrap themselves up tightly, ensuring peace of mind before leaving home

A complex expression flashed across Chen Qian's face

Without the method of吐纳, given my sensitivity to my own body, it is indeed difficult to advance to the level of通劲 solely through standing post and practicing martial arts. However, in my previous life, while researching techniques, I also went through countless futile efforts and failures, persevering and gradually overcoming challenges. I believe that as long as I continue to work hard, I will surely achieve something.

Although my innate qualities cannot be considered exceptional, I am certainly not among the inept. What truly constrains my further progress is, in fact, my sensitivity to my own changes. It is a matter of perception

With several shouts and cries of pain, a burly man stumbled through the door, urgently addressing Chen Qian and Wang: "Not good, madam! The old bodyguard's condition has flared up again..."

At this thought, a flash of anger crossed Chen Qian's distinctly black-and-white eyes

Even though I know I must endure, my father remains completely unaware of this. However, my mother, being such a gentle and sensitive person, returns home in tears every time she visits her family. She tirelessly supports our household and manages the escort agency, which is incredibly arduous. On top of that, she must constantly endure such torment in her heart. How can I possibly let her down

Seeing this scene, Wang, who was standing nearby, also stopped his actions, raised his sleeve, and silently wiped away his tears

She spoke with determination, raising her hand fearlessly towards the arm of that strange person, and continued to say: "Are you not going to let go! Do you want to harm your own son!"

Ye Yi, Li Yingming

In the moment of pause, on Chen Qian's bare forearm, small patches of skin, about the size of a fingernail, can be faintly seen trembling, giving a sensation of veins pulsating beneath the skin, but as the arm moves again, it quickly disappears

However, today I must accompany Senior Brother to pay respects to the master. The Kaiyang Sect is the foremost in the entire Northwest, and this entrance ceremony, held once every five years, will undoubtedly attract numerous aspirants. If I am rejected at the gates due to my inadequate cultivation, not only will my mother be disappointed and the money spent go to waste, but more importantly, three months later, at my grandfather's eightieth birthday celebration, our family will be humiliated by the Chen family! Enduring all kinds of insults! Moreover, my grandfather will look down on our branch even more!

Chen Zhongkun is indeed the name of Chen Qian's father

First refining body, tempering the physique, stretching the tendons, practicing form and muscles

Chen Qian practiced boxing alone in the vacant space of the backyard, indifferent to the incessant noise coming from beyond the courtyard wall

Unexpectedly, that strange person ignored everything, took a pendant from around his own neck, and clumsily wrapped it around Chen Qian's neck, mumbling indistinctly: "Bless... my son... cannot retreat... must win, must win, cannot lose, cannot lose!"

It is not merely about strengthening the body, but rather about martial arts that enable one to travel a thousand miles in a day, scale walls with ease, and lift a thousand pounds

"Qian'er, there is no need to force yourself during this introductory session; just learn and observe more," Wang said, gently patting the dust off Chen Qian. "I have placed a few taels of silver in your bag. If you and your senior brother need any money for anything, feel free to use it"

However, this set of battlefield boxing techniques, when executed by Chen Qian at this moment, resembled an old ox pulling a cart, slow and laborious, as if his hands were pushing a grinding stone, lacking any momentum. Only at the end of each move did his fists suddenly clench tightly, with his arm muscles tensing, revealing a hint of explosive power

"Just in case..." Before Wang's words had finished, a sudden commotion erupted outside the hall.

I have practiced martial arts for ten years, yet I have not broken through to the realm of the ordinary body. I have been stuck at the locked breath layer for nearly three years, and no matter what I do, I cannot perceive the subtle changes in the internal energy within me

The three layers of the mortal body

This set of boxing techniques is said to have been created by the founder of the Great Ning dynasty. It is divided into seven forms, and the entire system is characterized by strict discipline, emphasizing the accumulation of strength, relentless advance, and the use of force to overcome skill. It is fast, simple, and direct, truly embodying the essence of a vigorous boxing style and battlefield martial arts. However, due to the absence of corresponding methods for the circulation of true energy, it is thus classified as a lower-grade external skill.

In his previous life, Chen Qian was an obsessive individual, whose research into information technology had reached a level that his friends and family described as being possessed. However, in this ancient world, the knowledge he once acquired has become utterly useless. Yet, the emergence of martial arts has provided him with a new pursuit

Chen Qian thought to himself, yet his brows remained furrowed.

Chen Qian's breakfast is quite simple, consisting of a small plate of beef, a bowl of rice soup, and a few meat buns. It may not be lavish, but it is of considerable value

Chen Qian was well aware of his family's situation, but today he had to set off to attend the initiation ceremony. Naturally, he needed nutrition and strength, so he could only silently chew and eat calmly

The third level of strength involves coordinating the breath and the force of fists and feet to resonate with the internal heat. This vibrates the skin membrane, activates the muscles and joints, and consolidates the strength of the tendons, bones, and skin from the inside out into a single force. This force continuously penetrates until it reaches the abdomen and back, thereby transcending the ordinary physical realm and entering the realm of vital energy and blood. From this point onward, one can cultivate energy and regulate breathing, advancing into a deeper understanding of the practice

Martial arts cultivation, with each step leaving a mark, represents the foundational stage for martial arts practitioners. This level of martial artist constitutes the largest group within the martial world. To advance further and reach a higher realm of vitality and blood, one requires a degree of talent as well as a certain amount of effort

Perhaps it is because I am not the original owner of this body that I feel a sense of estrangement towards myself. Normally, this does not affect me, but in the practice of martial arts, where careful attention to my own changes is required, it becomes an insurmountable chasm

Despite operating a security agency, the actual amount of silver that remains after dividing among the more than ten people is not substantial. Moreover, the newly established security agency of the prominent Xia family in the city is gaining momentum, while the business of the Chen family security agency is declining day by day

It is time; after washing up and changing clothes, having breakfast, and tidying up a bit, it is time to hit the road