Chapter 0004: The Meaning of the Ancient Heart Method
Due to the reforms of Shang Yang in the Qin state, military system reforms were strengthened, categorizing military ranks into twenty levels, which are: Gongshi, Shangzao, Zanniao, Buge, Dafu, Guandafu, Gongdafu, Gongcheng, Wudafu, Zuoshuchang, Dashuchang, Guanneihou, Chehou, and Liehou. There are significant differences in the salaries and treatment enjoyed by each rank.
Upon hearing this, Chen Ling broke into a broad smile, finally able to swagger out of the camp in broad daylight, traverse mountains and ridges, and witness the natural environment from two thousand years ago. As long as he could get out and move around more, he believed that it wouldn't be long before he transformed from a youth with no strength to a fierce warrior on the battlefield
Chen Ling had become familiar with the current state of the battle and was eager to recover his health so that he could intensify his martial arts training. Given his current physical condition, wielding a bronze sword weighing over ten pounds was already a struggle for him. After all, he was too weak; even though he possessed a certain understanding of martial arts, his physical fitness was inadequate, preventing him from exerting any real strength. The remaining techniques and forms were merely empty shells.
Cheng Su'er listened to his words, sensing a subtle reasoning within them that made it difficult for her to refuse. She thought to herself: "The battlefield is merciless; if he recovers from his injuries, he will surely be sent to the front lines. Given his frail condition, he would undoubtedly face a perilous fate. If I could truly learn some medical skills, perhaps I could be retained as a military doctor, thus avoiding the need to go to the front lines and risk my life."
Due to the fact that this body may have belonged to a frail young master in a past life, lacking the strength to even bind a chicken, Chen Ling must first strengthen the body in order to endure the subsequent high-intensity physical training. Through arduous external cultivation, he aims to develop his inner strength. At that time, with both internal and external skills refined, he will still be able to become a master in the martial arts world
Chen Ling strongly agreed with his statement. On that day, after observing the formation drills of the Wei army, it was evident that they resembled university students standing at attention and marching in formation, with very little focus on physical training. Moreover, the instruction in combat skills was limited, relying entirely on brute strength and morale to charge into battle. Only a few seasoned veterans, who had spent several years in the military and had experienced life-and-death situations on the battlefield, had become somewhat proficient in the art of killing.
External skills, internal skills, and the integration of both require a gradual and progressive process in martial arts training. Without a strong physique, one cannot cultivate formidable external martial arts. If external skills are not mastered, the strength cannot be transformed into internal energy, leading to blocked meridians. When the energy pathways are obstructed, the mind cannot find tranquility, making it impossible to practice internal martial arts, let alone achieve the integration of both.
After an hour had passed, Chen Ling got up and did some simple exercises to stretch his muscles. The wound no longer hurt, and his recovery speed was significantly faster than that of others. At this rate, it is estimated that in another ten to fifteen days, he will be able to perform simple strength training.
Shang Yang also stipulated that soldiers of the Qin state would be granted a rank of one level [Gongshi] and one hectare of land, along with a residence and one servant, for each enemy officer's head they captured. The more enemy heads they killed, the higher the rank they would attain. The evidence required was the enemy's head, meaning that after the battle, they had to cut off the enemy's head and bring it back to the military camp as proof. Those without ranks were merely common soldiers. The more enemy heads they killed, the higher the rank they would attain. The evidence required was the enemy's head, meaning that after the battle, they had to cut off the enemy's head and bring it back to the military camp as proof. Those without ranks were merely common soldiers.
Chen Ling looked at Cheng Su'er’s slender back and suddenly had an idea: rather than being constrained in the infirmary, unable to move, it would be better to follow her out of the military camp. This way, he could practice in secret. Moreover, with the secret techniques of the Chen family, as long as he could identify some medicinal roots and brew a unique formula, it would be very effective for treating such injuries
Moved by the thought of being able to save him from his predicament, Cheng Su'er softened her heart and nodded, saying: "Alright then, tomorrow morning at dawn, wait for me in front of the infirmary's main gate. I will take you up the mountain to gather herbs. However, since your injuries have not yet healed, you must follow my arrangements along the way; otherwise, I will no longer pay you any attention."
As the saying goes, "Training in martial arts without practicing strength is merely a futile endeavor." Without power, even the most exquisite techniques are mere empty postures, rendering them useless in actual combat. In fighting, the focus is on practical application and lethality, especially on the battlefield. To survive amidst the chaos of bloodshed, one must possess formidable martial prowess
After several battles between the Qin army and the Wei army, both sides suffered casualties and entered a brief ceasefire period. Each side gathered troops and supplies, stockpiled fodder and armor, and intensified training to make thorough preparations for the next round of conflict
Later, the six eastern states observed the growing strength of the Qin army and began to emulate its methods, establishing ranks and detailed criteria for military achievements. At present, Chen Ling remains an ordinary soldier.
Cheng Su'er nodded while concentrating on changing the dressing and said: "A portion, indeed. As long as I don't have to change the dressing in the morning, I will definitely go gather herbs. Recently, there have been frequent battles, and the Qin state is amassing troops. A great war is imminent, and I want to take this opportunity to stockpile more herbs, which will be of great use when the time comes and can save many lives"
What are you training every day
After simply stretching and loosening his leg muscles, Chen Ling returned to the camp through a gap in the rear fence. Since the infirmary was located in a corner of the barracks, on a hillside, these injured personnel were no longer a priority for the military, resulting in minimal defense. In fact, there were quite a few gaps in the barriers, which facilitated Chen Ling's entry and exit at night
After a while, while Su'er was changing his bandages, Chen Ling sincerely asked: "Su'er, are these herbs https://m.hetushu.com.com picked by you?"
After Chen Ling returned to the camp, he quickly fell asleep. That night, his blood circulation was smooth, and he slept exceptionally soundly, without waking up in pain during the night. The next morning, the military doctor entered the tent to change the dressings for the wounded, and the graceful figure reappeared, none other than the uniquely beautiful Cheng Su'er.
Chen Ling employed the "Ancient Chen Heart Method". This is a practice of internal energy and qi manipulation from the Chen family, a martial arts lineage. It cannot be considered a profound or unfathomable internal skill. It was passed down from the late Ming to the early Qing dynasty. The ancestors of the Chen family were once masters of boxing, well-versed in internal martial arts. After the Manchus entered the pass, they retreated into the rivers and lakes, establishing the Chen family. Through three hundred years of tumultuous existence, it has not declined even until the period of reform and opening up.
It is about formation positioning and combat techniques, but those are too simplistic and of little use on the battlefield. To survive and defeat the enemy, one must enhance their own combat strength, such as increasing arm strength, using heavy weapons, and mastering killing techniques. On the battlefield, one can slay enemy soldiers with just a few exchanges. Teng Huzai spoke eloquently, deeply reflecting on the act of killing.
Chen Ling spoke: "Then starting tomorrow, you should take me along as well. I also want to learn some basic medical skills. When one achieves success, they should help the world; when in danger, they should save themselves. This way, I can have an additional chance of survival in the future"
Teng Huzai, due to his exceptional arm strength, killed seven enemy leaders and was promoted to the position of squad leader, receiving the rank of Shangzao. Shen Zheng killed three enemies and became a public officer, while his military position remained that of a private for the time being. Jing Yan, still a soldier, became a scout due to his cleverness in handling affairs and agility, responsible for gathering intelligence and information on the enemy.
On this night, Chen Ling left the camp and sat cross-legged in a patch of forest, beginning to meditate and regulate his breathing according to the martial arts techniques from his past life memories. The first step in practicing martial arts is to harmonize the body, nurturing it through a regular and healthy diet, sleep, and other forms of cultivation to ensure that the body is full of energy
He silently looked at the few companions in front of him, thinking to himself: Once my injuries improve, I will resume my martial arts training and select some boxing techniques to teach them for self-defense, so that our brotherhood will not be in vain
The fundamentals of the Ancient Star Heart Method are well understood by Chen Ling. He quickly harnesses the light of the stars and the essence of the moon to refine his body, maintaining a calm breath, strengthening his physique, gradually dispelling his hidden ailments, enhancing his resistance, and accelerating the healing of his injuries. Apart from this, there are currently no other obvious effects.
After a few days of recuperation, Chen Ling's injuries had improved. Due to significant blood loss, his complexion remained somewhat pale, but the wounds had visibly healed, allowing him to move around with slightly reduced pain. In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed, and Teng Hu, Shen Zheng, and Jing Yan came to visit Chen Ling again, sharing anecdotes from the military camp.