Chapter 5: Initial Exploration of Techniques
Upon seeing Wu Ma and her daughter leave, Dou Yin's expression immediately turned cold. This was something Liu Feng had not witnessed in many years. Liu Feng understood that his uncle was genuinely angry this time. "What did your uncle say to you? He warned you not to act recklessly. Feng'er, I thought you were usually as cautious as your uncle in your actions, but what happened this time? You child, if something were to happen, what would your uncle do? Everyone says that practicing martial arts is beneficial, but who truly understands the dangers of the martial way? One misstep could lead to destruction of body and spirit"
During lunch, Liu Feng shook his numb arms and finally completed his task. His stomach was growling to an unbearable extent. He was not worried about having nothing to eat, but the thought of repeating it a hundred times was truly chilling.
In the living room, lunch was already set on the table, emitting wisps of white steam. Dou Yin sat at the table holding a teacup, while the anxious Wu Ma dared not stay in the living room and could only pace back and forth in the eaves outside. Upon seeing Liu Feng arrive, she hurriedly went to greet him. Looking at his slightly weary face, she tenderly rubbed his right hand and whispered, "Young Master, you must be tired, is your hand sore? The Master is really something, putting so much pressure on you in such a short time." As she spoke, her eyes began to redden, and maternal love surged forth once again.
Liu Feng quickly put on a smile, "Aunt Wu, it's nothing serious. Uncle is doing this for my own good. A man should learn more skills so that he can realize his ambitions in the future. Look at me, I'm perfectly fine. Everyone is waiting for me to serve the meal; it's getting late and everyone's hungry. Let's go inside." The pain from Aunt Wu's grip on his right hand made Liu Feng turn his face slightly and furrow his brow.
Suddenly, the softest part of my heart was touched. I held back my tears, lowered my head, and finished the chicken soup that Dou Yin had fed me. With a slight sigh, Dou Yin checked Liu Feng's pulse again, confirmed that everything was fine, helped him tuck in the blanket, and reminded him to rest well before leaving, though his steps were somewhat unsteady. After Dou Yin left, Liu Feng, who had not felt tears for years, bit down on the quilt, and his tears could no longer be controlled, starting to soak the pillow.
Where is this place, and why do I feel this way? Why is there no such description in the secret manual? Liu Feng felt a bit at a loss, as the pressure compelled him to concentrate all his efforts to cope. At this moment, the stubbornness in Liu Feng's heart was completely ignited. No, I, Liu Feng, will not yield like this. A little difficulty cannot make me retreat; it is impossible! He bit his lip tightly, and sweat unknowingly dripped down from his slightly pale face. At this moment, the stubbornness in Liu Feng's heart was completely ignited. No, I, Liu Feng, will not yield like this. A little difficulty cannot make me retreat; it is impossible! He bit his lip tightly, and sweat unknowingly dripped down from his slightly pale face.
An hour later, Liu Feng opened his eyes, sighed, and realized that he had indeed put in a lot of effort, yet he had discovered nothing. Closing his eyes felt like plunging into darkness, and he could not sense the aura from the secret technique gently floating around him at all, which left him with a slight sense of frustration. However, this did not make Liu Feng feel like a failure; practicing martial arts requires perseverance. If one attempt does not succeed, one must try again. The resilience retained from his previous life was awakened.
Liu Feng lowered his head, not daring to meet Dou Yin's gaze. This time, he had been too reckless, losing his composure upon encountering martial arts that were only rumored in both his past lives. His uncle was right; although his words were harsh, the deep affection behind them moved Liu Feng once again. Dou Yin looked at Liu Feng's haggard face, feeling an overwhelming sorrow in his heart. If he hadn't discovered it in time and used his true energy to guide him, the consequences would have been truly dire
Before long, a gust of wind swept through, and Dou Yin, who appeared slightly fatigued, stood before Liu Feng. He took Liu Feng's hand and began to take his pulse. After a moment, he let out a sigh of relief and waved for Wu Ma to set down the steaming chicken soup she had just brought from the kitchen. He then took Xiao Yue'er back to their room to rest. The mother and son both wore worried expressions; they wanted to stay but were intimidated by the aura emanating from Dou Yin at that moment, and they retreated from the room step by step.
However, since in this lifetime I have the opportunity to touch upon these matters, I will naturally not give it up. For the more skills I acquire, the greater my voice will be in the future. The scene from that night many years ago has forever left an imprint in Liu Feng's heart. Only by gaining strength can one have the chance to revisit what has transpired. Right or wrong, ultimately it is the victor who writes the narrative, and Liu Feng wishes to be that person
Upon opening the secret book, the front page boldly displays the words: "The Dragon, the spirit of heaven and earth, powerful as a mountain, unmatched in might, silent in the abyss, yet if it roars, it will surely lament across the nine heavens." The characters are strong and vigorous, exuding an overwhelming aura, indicating that the person who penned this must undoubtedly be a dominant ruler.
If someone were present, they would witness a strange scene: the jade pendant at Liu Feng's waist unexpectedly emitted a dazzling light, and the red five-clawed dragon within it appeared to be moving. Its mouth was open, and all the visible waves of air around Liu Feng were being drawn into the pendant.
The fifth and sixth levels, known as "Canglong Transformation," involve converting the spiritual energy previously stored in the body's microcirculation into dragon might. This dragon might acts like a prison, subduing the enemy without the need for battle.
Close your eyes and continue to practice as instructed in the manual. After a moment, the sound of even breathing begins again. It is unclear how much time has passed, but Liu Feng suddenly feels himself in a very oppressive world, where nothing can be seen in the darkness, yet he can clearly sense the invisible pressure emanating from his surroundings
Liu Feng pondered quietly in his heart and continued to read, "This secret manual is the result of my thirty years of secluded contemplation in the Spirit Mountain. It is divided into nine levels, and with each level attained, the power gained is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Due to its immense power, the difficulty of cultivation increases correspondingly. However, if someone can achieve the perfect Mahayana state, soaring through the skies and traversing the earth will be effortless. I have had some insights; in just a moment, I could soar through the void. I specifically leave this technique at www.hetushu.com for those destined to use it for the benefit of all living beings." But if someone can achieve the perfect Mahayana state, soaring through the skies and traversing the earth will be effortless. I have had some insights; in just a moment, I could soar through the void. I specifically leave this technique at www.hetushu.com for those destined to use it for the benefit of all living beings.
The eighth level, "Dragon Soaring in the Nine Heavens," signifies a state of cultivation where one can move freely between heaven and earth, akin to a dragon ascending into the sky. Its power is such that splitting mountains and shattering stones is as easy as turning one's hand. However, there is no introduction to the ninth level. The section intended for the ninth level in the secret text is entirely blank. Yet, at the bottom of the page, there is a line of small print: "The dragon's roar resonates through the nine heavens, representing the great achievement of the Dao. This realm is the understanding of the Dao of heaven and earth. As the Dao differs, so too do the attainments. Observe the worldly ties, and do not force it."
The Dragon's Roar reverberates through the nine heavens, divided into nine layers. The first four layers, known as "Azure Dragon Breathing Essence," involve absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to refine the body and cultivate the spirit, unblocking the meridians throughout the body, and forming a small cycle of internal energy in the dantian.
Upon entering the room, I slowly withdrew my nearly unconscious right hand from Aunt Wu's grasp, lowered my head to adjust my expression, and said, "Uncle, I apologize for keeping you waiting. The child's homework is completed."
The room fell silent, the dim yellow oil lamp partially obscured by the white smoke rising from the chicken soup on the table. After a long while, Dou Yin helped Liu Feng sit up and lifted the chicken soup to feed him. In that moment, Liu Feng noticed that the corners of his uncle's eyes, who had never flinched even amidst the pursuit of millions, were actually red, and he was surprised to see a few strands of gray hair at his uncle's temples.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, I carefully read the foundational cultivation techniques. This is the introductory principle, designed to guide practitioners in perceiving the spiritual energy between heaven and earth, resonating with it, and directing it to open the acupoints throughout the body, allowing it to circulate.
After the meal, Dou Yin left behind a saying, "Only by enduring the hardships of eating can one rise above others," as if annotating his own wise thoughts from the morning. After Liu Feng quietly acknowledged, "Thank you, uncle, for your teachings," he hummed a little tune and stepped out leisurely. Liu Feng knew he was off to the teahouse to pass the time.
It seems that the legend is true; the predecessor who created this technique and the *illustrated* book has ascended. Liu Feng felt a bit bewildered. Wasn't this something he had read in a web novel in his previous life? Could it really exist, something that a mediocre little citizen like himself in his past life could not comprehend?
In the room, Liu Feng excitedly took out the golden book of secrets from his bosom. The cover, "Dragon's Roar in the Nine Heavens," dazzled him. Is this the martial art? His uncle, so formidable, possessed the courage to rival a thousand men; what he provided must surely be of the highest quality. Imagining himself leaping across rooftops and facing many opponents alone in the future, Liu Feng's hands trembled unconsciously as he opened the book.
It seems that all cultivation methods share the same starting point, as even the best techniques cannot deviate from the fundamental principle of gathering Qi in this world. Closing his eyes, Liu Feng slowly recalled the acupoints he learned in the morning in his mind. After confirming their accuracy, he placed his hands on his knees, gradually relaxing himself, and employed the breathing method described in the manual, attentively sensing the natural spiritual energy surrounding him. Closing his eyes, Liu Feng slowly recalled the acupoints he learned in the morning in his mind. After confirming their accuracy, he placed his hands on his knees, gradually relaxing himself, and employed the breathing method described in the manual, attentively sensing the natural spiritual energy surrounding him.
The seventh level is "The Hidden Dragon Emerges from the Abyss," where a large internal energy cycle is formed within the body. At this moment, the advantages become even more apparent. While ordinary individuals experience exhaustion of their internal energy, one who has reached this realm can create a small world within themselves, allowing for an inexhaustible replenishment of internal energy. The power of this is evident at a glance
Such strangeness would make even Dou Yin slap himself twice to confirm whether it was real. However, at this moment, Liu Feng had no time to pay attention to such matters; he was truly at the point of exhaustion. The relentless pressure made it increasingly difficult for him to breathe, and his consciousness began to blur. A drop of blood dripped from his nostril, and his frail body started to tremble.
Liu Feng had just sat down when the little girl, Xiao Yue, hurriedly served him a bowl of rice, her face filled with concern. Liu Feng accepted it with a smile. However, when he lifted his chopsticks, he still felt a bit of soreness; it seemed he had indeed rushed too much earlier. Nevertheless, in order to avoid worrying the two women beside him, one big and one small, Liu Feng finished his meal as usual.
Uncertain how much time had passed, Liu Feng vaguely heard soft sobs by his ear. Slowly, he opened his eyes, and the room was already illuminated. Before him was the tear-streaked face of Xiao Yue'er. Suddenly, as if she had discovered something, she exclaimed, "Mother, the young master has awakened," her tone filled with joy. Beside her, Aunt Wu wiped the corner of her eye and hurriedly said, "Xiao Yue'er, quickly go call the master. The young master has been in a coma for so long. I will go fetch the chicken soup."
Indeed, Uncle, I knew the wind would be the most obedient. Come, let us all have our meal. Putting down the teacup, Dou Yin was the first to pick up his rice bowl, it seems he was also quite hungry.
Just as Liu Feng was about to lose consciousness, he suddenly saw a glimmer of light. In the haze, it seemed as if a red five-clawed dragon was swimming. Liu Feng strained to discern what it was, but suddenly felt unbearable pain, his vision darkened, and he fainted. At that moment, the jade pendant also lost its radiance, and the five-clawed red dragon inside ceased to move, yet it appeared even more dazzlingly red.
It turns out that this final layer is a personal comprehension of the laws of heaven and earth through the cultivation method. The predecessor who created this technique is truly admirable. Liu Feng felt a renewed sense of awe in his heart, for those who can penetrate the Dao of heaven and earth possess a qualification that commands respect.
Because it is not something Dou Yinsui casually mentions, if he speaks to you gently about a certain matter, it must be something he is very serious about. Otherwise, the consequences are something everyone would prefer to avoid. Gentleness always conceals a scheme, and this is a battle experience that Liu Feng has long summarized over the years.
Because he was preoccupied with the legendary martial arts manual he had obtained that morning, Liu Feng felt a burning restlessness in his heart. After briefly discussing "The Deer and the Cauldron" with Xiao Yue'er, the considerate girl noticed Liu Feng's distraction and suggested that he return. She then took out "Reverse Meridian" and began to study it earnestly.