Physical enlightenment begins with Xingyi Quan

Chapter 91 A Fortuitous Opportunity (Please subscribe! More to come!)

On the second floor of the armory, Chen Jianghe stood deep within the area of ​​medical classics.

Compendium of Materia Medica, Treatise on Meridians, Humble Remarks on the Internal Organs, and Introduction to Daoist Alchemy.

I flipped through the books one by one, only to be disappointed time and time again.

He had been here for two full hours, consulting more than thirty medical classics, but still could not find any solution for "backlash of internal energy" and "bone-corroding poison".

It is mentioned only a few times, and only in the words that "this injury is difficult to treat and requires rare and precious medicines to nourish the meridians", or "those who are poisoned by this poison will have their foundation destroyed and cannot be reversed without a great opportunity".

Chen Jianghe silently put the last copy of "Miscellaneous Treatises on Strange Diseases" back.

He looked up, his gaze passing through the layers of bookshelves and landing on a dimly lit corner deeper inside.

That was the edge of the second floor of the armory, a place that had been deserted for years.

He walked over slowly.

The further you go in, the dimmer the light becomes. The bookshelves are older, and there are fewer crystal boxes. Many books are not even sealed in crystal boxes; they are just piled up on the shelves, covered in dust.

Chen Jianghe casually picked up a book.

The cover is dark brown, and the writing is blurred, but four characters can be vaguely discerned: "The Art of Changing Form and Concealing Breath".

He opened it.

A line of small print on the title page reads: "Disguise and conceal one's aura. Only those with great perseverance can master this art. Disguise refers to changing one's appearance; concealing one's aura refers to hiding one's presence. This art is not for killing, but for self-preservation and escape. In the martial world, the taller the tree, the more the wind blows. If you encounter a powerful enemy, disguising yourself and concealing your presence can help you avoid disaster."

Chen Jianghe's eyes brightened slightly.

If used properly during an escape, this method can be the key to turning the tide in a desperate situation.

This "Form-Changing and Breath-Concealing Technique" was practically tailor-made for him.

More importantly, this technique does not require many resources to master; it relies entirely on skill and practice. However, the cost of practice is extremely high, which is perfect for Chen Jianghe.

Suddenly, he noticed a very thin booklet sandwiched between two thick books, almost squeezed out of shape.

Chen Jianghe pulled it out.

Turning to the first page, there was a line of hastily written characters, the ink old and worn, clearly indicating that it had been there for many years.

"We martial artists strive for nothing more than a higher realm in our lives. However, one's innate talent limits one's future; this is both the most impartial and the most unfair aspect of the universe."

Chen Jianghe's pupils contracted slightly.

Root bone.

He continued flipping through the pages.

"Everyone knows that there are nine forms of physical constitution, with the first being the worst and the ninth being the best. Physical constitution determines life and death and limits one's future; this is an ironclad rule of martial arts that cannot be changed."

"But under such ironclad rules, is there truly no way out?"

"I have read extensively and sought out wise men, spending twenty years in total, and finally obtained two or three methods."

"Firstly, rare and precious materials. Those with abundant resources use precious medicines to strengthen their meridians and temper their bones and bones. Such as the Heavenly Marrow Lingzhi..."

Earth Fire Molten Crystals, Dragon Marrow and Phoenix Blood... these treasures can all nourish the meridians, subtly improving one's innate talent. However, the resources required for this path are immense, obtainable only by the direct descendants of powerful forces; ordinary martial artists can only dream of it.

"Secondly, the bloodline of exotic beasts. By taking the essence blood of exotic beasts at the Gang Jin level or above and refining it into one's own body using a secret method, one can forcibly enhance one's physical constitution by borrowing the power of their bloodline. However, this method is extremely dangerous. If one is not careful, at best one will lose their mind, and at worst one will be transformed into a beast, neither human nor beast, and will never be able to recover."

Chen Jianghe frowned slightly.

This state of being neither human nor beast is more terrifying than death.

He continued flipping through the pages.

"Thirdly, ... I have searched for many years, but have only heard of its name and never seen its method. It is said that there is a secret technique of marrow cleansing and bone transformation passed down by a sect, which can reshape one's physical foundation. However, the cultivation process is extremely painful. Every step forward is like being gnawed by thousands of ants or cut by a thousand knives. Moreover, the slightest mistake will result in the severing of meridians and the complete loss of cultivation. This path can only be followed by those with great perseverance, wisdom and courage."

The journal entry ends here.

The last page contains only one line of text, the ink so faint it seems the writer had exhausted himself: "One is born with innate talent, but the road is not yet over. I only hope that those who come after will not give up because of inferior talent, nor be deterred by the perilous road ahead."

Chen Jianghe closed the note.

He stood there, motionless for a long time.

Memories of my first time at the martial arts school flooded my mind.

At that time, his physical attributes were only average in Yilin County.

Master Li Chengyue never mentioned the words "innate talent"; he only had him practice standing meditation, boxing, and horse stance.

Later, he came to Xingyi School and was examined by Elder Zhou Qingyuan and found to have the five elements of his physique.

Five elements.

Above average.

Insufficient than above, more than below.

However, Chen Jianghe knew in his heart that his Five Elements aptitude was simply not enough in a major martial arts sect like Xingyi Sect.

Those geniuses with six or seven forms entered the Transformation Realm at the age of sixteen or seventeen, and their cultivation speed far surpassed his.

But what if one's physical attributes could be further improved?

What if he could also possess the innate qualities of the Six Forms or Seven Forms?

Chen Jianghe suddenly remembered the "Diamond Kung Fu".

He has cultivated the martial arts technique he obtained from Lei Zhenshan to the point where he has reached the "Iron Bones" realm.

When practicing this skill, one's bones feel as if they have been struck by lightning, and with each surge of qi and blood, it feels as if thousands of steel needles are piercing through the bone marrow.

He once thought that the pain was a characteristic of the technique itself.

But now that I think about it...

Cleanse and refine muscles and bones, temper and strengthen the foundation.

Is there really no connection between these two things?

Chen Jianghe closed his eyes and focused his mind inward.

He could clearly sense the condition of his bones, which were many times stronger than before he practiced the Vajra Kung Fu.

Higher bone density, purer bone quality, and richer blood and qi flowing in the bone marrow than before.

This is the change brought about by Vajra Kung Fu.

But did this change also subtly improve his physical constitution?

Chen Jianghe opened his eyes.

Without further hesitation, he took the "Transformation and Breath Concealment Technique" and walked towards the counter.

After an incense stick had burned, Chen Jianghe returned to the small courtyard on the west side of the disciple's peak.

He placed the "Form-Changing and Breath-Concealing Technique" on the table, but did not open it immediately.

He sat cross-legged on the couch and took out the book "Diamond Kung Fu".

This technique is divided into three levels: copper skin, iron bones, and silver filth.

Copper skin strengthens the skin membrane, iron bones strengthen the skeleton, and silver filth strengthens the internal organs.

[Destiny: Diligence is rewarded by Heaven; success is inevitable]

Current Skill: Vajra Skill (Iron Bones 40%)

After taking a short breath, Chen Jianghe picked up the "Yi Xing Concealing Breath Technique" again.

Turning to the first page, a line of neat small print reads: "Changing form and concealing one's aura is not for deceiving the world or stealing fame, but for surviving desperate situations. The path of martial arts is fraught with danger at every step. Leaving a way out means leaving a better chance of survival."

Chen Jianghe nodded.

This was exactly what he wanted to hear.

He never believed that being upright and honorable was the true nature of a martial artist. In a life-or-death battle, only victory or defeat matters, not the means; being able to survive is the real skill.

He began practicing according to the instructions in the manual.

[Current Skill: Shapeshifting and Concealing Breath Technique (Beginner 1%)]

A knock came at the courtyard gate: "Is Junior Brother Chen there?"

Chen Jianghe frowned slightly.

He walked to the courtyard gate and opened the fence.

Standing outside the door was a man in his early twenties with a handsome face, dressed in a traditional courtyard outfit. He was Zhou Xian, who lived next door.

After his first visit that day, upon learning that Chen Jianghe was from Yilin County and possessed the Five Elements of Root Bone, Zhou Xian hurriedly left and never set foot in this place again.

Your sudden visit today must have a reason.

"Senior Brother Zhou," Chen Jianghe said calmly, clasping his hands in greeting. "Please come in."

Zhou Xian waved his hand and smiled, then clasped his hands in a fist and said, "No need. I've come here because I have an opportunity I'd like to share with you, Junior Brother."

.

Chen Jianghe returned the greeting: "Senior Brother Zhou, you're too kind. May I ask what brings you here?"

Zhou Xian smiled and asked, "Junior Brother, have you ever heard of Yunmeng Forest?"

Chen Jianghe shook his head.

A hint of smugness flashed in Zhou Xian's eyes, then he said seriously, "Yunmeng Forest is located three hundred li southeast of Changxi Prefecture. It is an ancient, dense forest, spanning a thousand li, rarely visited by humans. The forest is teeming with poisonous insects and ferocious beasts, but it also abounds with countless rare and precious herbs. There are even rumors that someone has found a wondrous fruit there that can help one break through the Qi Refining stage!"

Chen Jianghe listened quietly without interrupting.

Zhou Xian continued, "Several senior brothers from my Hou Tu Academy have taken the lead and invited fellow disciples from the five academies to form a team. They will set off for Yunmeng Forest to search for treasures in three days. The team will be led by three senior brothers who have just entered the Gang Jin realm, so there shouldn't be any major accidents. If we can find the treasure left behind by that great master, or if we encounter other opportunities, it might even help us take a step into the Gang Jin realm."

He looked at Chen Jianghe, his eyes filled with a hint of self-satisfaction: "When I heard about this, I immediately thought of my junior brother."

Although my junior brother has only been in Lingmu Academy for a few months, his victories in the battle of Black Wind Cave and his single-handed fight against six opponents at the Caohe Ferry are undeniable. Several senior brothers, having heard of his exploits, are also willing to invite him to join them.

"If we could find a few precious herbs or hunt one or two exotic beasts among them, the harvest would be greater than several years of arduous cultivation within the sect!" Zhou Xian became more and more excited as he spoke. "Junior Brother Chen, you are now at the peak of the Transformation Realm, and you are exactly lacking such an opportunity! If you could find that exotic fruit that helps one break through to the Qi Realm, you might be able to break through on the spot! At that time, our Xingyi Sect would have another Qi Realm master, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"What does Junior Brother think?"

After Zhou Xian finished speaking, he looked at Chen Jianghe with a smile, waiting for his reply.

Chen Jianghe remained silent for a moment.

He looked up at Zhou Xian.

"I am deeply grateful for Senior Brother Zhou's kindness," he said slowly and sincerely. "However, I am currently at a critical juncture in my cultivation and need to go into seclusion to consolidate my realm. I have no time to spare. I can only reluctantly give up this opportunity."

Zhou Xian's smile faltered slightly.

"A critical moment?" He frowned slightly. "Junior Brother Chen, do you know how great an opportunity it is to explore the treasure in Yunmeng Forest?"

Three senior disciples of the Gang Jin realm are personally leading the team; such an opportunity is something ordinary disciples would kill for. And you actually refused?

Chen Jianghe's expression remained unchanged: "This disciple is indeed in a difficult situation, and I hope that my senior brother will forgive me."

Zhou Xian stared at him, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

"Junior Brother Chen," he lowered his voice, "do you not trust me, or do you not trust those three senior brothers of the Gang Jin realm?"

Chen Jianghe shook his head: "Senior brother, you've misunderstood. Junior brother just..."

"That's enough." Zhou Xian interrupted him, the smile on his face completely gone, replaced by an undisguised coldness.

He took a step back, his gaze sweeping over Chen Jianghe before finally settling on the simple courtyard.

"Junior Brother Chen," he spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of condescension, "I, Zhou, have come to invite you today because I think highly of you. You entered Lingmu Academy with the Five Elements aptitude, and it is already remarkable that you were able to break through to the peak of the Transformation Realm. Now that such an opportunity has been presented to you, you have turned it away."

He paused, then sneered, "I hope Junior Brother Chen won't regret his choice today in the future."

Having said that, he turned and strode away.

He took a few steps, then looked back again.

The figure in green still stood at the courtyard gate, his face calm and his eyes clear.

A strange sense of irritation welled up in Zhou Xian's heart.

He snorted coldly and disappeared into the bamboo path without looking back.

>