Chapter 39: The Maiden's Heart & Breathing Technique

The two Tongmai Realm powerhouses faced off, their auras clashing!

The atmosphere in the venue instantly plummeted to freezing point.

A great battle was about to erupt!

Everyone held their breath, feeling as if a massive stone had been pressed upon their hearts, their chests constricted, breathing difficult.

This was the aura of a Tongmai Realm master.

Merely releasing their qi was enough to intimidate the entire crowd.

If they truly fought, everyone present would likely be caught in the crossfire, unable to escape the clash between the two powerhouses.

Bang!

He was tired from the rough handling.

Qin Shuo tossed Luo Tong to the ground like trash, throwing him down casually.

At this moment, Luo Tong had completely fainted, his bones broken in who knows how many places, his whole body lying in the mud like a puddle of filth, blood streaming from his seven orifices.

"You little beast, dare to injure my beloved disciple?"

Yan Song's eyes were nearly bursting from their sockets, his eyes about to pop out, his hair standing on end with rage.

"How so? Only Luo Tong is allowed to act lawlessly, harming my disciples, but my martial hall's disciples are not allowed to retaliate?

When did your Mang Mountain Martial Arts Hall become so domineering?"

Wei Yuan's eyes turned ice-cold, he shouted sternly, his aura surging upward as well.

Afterwards, he looked toward Qin Shuo, his eyes filled with relief and joy, faintly mixed with a hint of worry and guilt.

As a Tongmai Realm master, how keen his perception was.

Others might not see why Qin Shuo's strength suddenly surged, but he clearly understood it was Qin Shuo exchanging the burning of his qi and blood for a temporary burst of power.

Thinking of this, a cold killing intent suddenly erupted from his body, his eyes fixed rigidly on Yan Song as he said:

"Since your Mang Mountain Martial Arts Hall so desires to replace my Liuhe Martial Arts Hall's position in Black Water City, then today this old man shall come to weigh whether you, Yan Song, are worthy of this qualification."

Before his words finished, Wei Yuan had already struck out with a palm.

The immense force surged like the vast sea striking the heavens, rumbling loudly, shaking the people in the courtyard nearly to collapse and suffocation.

Yan Song was frightened witless by this sudden blow.

He had come today without intending to fight this old thing to the death.

At that moment, he dared not meet it head-on, his body flashing to dodge Wei Yuan's attack.

Then, with a leap, he jumped into the training field, picked up the unconscious Luo Tong, and fled in panic.

"Wei Yuan, today's humiliation, Yan will surely repay it double in the future!"

After the two figures had already disappeared from the courtyard, Yan Song's voice, filled with anger and unwillingness, came from outside the courtyard on the street.

The guests who had come to attend the ceremony stared at each other in blank dismay.

Especially those wealthy old gentlemen whom Yan Song had forcibly brought along to cheer, now they were even more embarrassed, as if sitting on pins and needles.

Before coming, Yan Song had boasted to them wildly, saying today they would surely win, asking them to be witnesses.

Now, Yan Song was like a bereaved dog, abandoning them and fleeing in disgrace, leaving them to face Wei Yuan alone.

"Master Wei, since the outcome is decided…… then we…… shall take our leave!"

A wealthy old gentleman of impressive bearing stepped forward stiffly, cupping his hands toward Wei Yuan, unwilling to linger here.

They had originally come to cheer for Mang Mountain Martial Arts Hall, to watch Liuhe Martial Arts Hall make a fool of itself.

Now faced with this situation, they too felt very embarrassed.

"Go slowly! No need to see you off!"

Wei Yuan spoke in a cold tone, clearly also very dissatisfied with these few people's partiality toward Mang Mountain Fist Hall this time.

The few wealthy old gentlemen, having been pardoned like receiving a great amnesty, and the disciples of Mang Mountain Martial Arts Hall also took the opportunity to sneak away.

The other two martial halls and other onlookers, seeing the main parties had left, found staying pointless, and thus also followed suit and dispersed.

It can be foreseen that when these people step out of the martial hall, today's match will quickly spread throughout Black Water City.

And that youth who, by his own strength, turned the tide of battle, will become the talk of the town after meals, his name renowned in Black Water City.

Not long after, the onlookers who had come to watch all dispersed.

Only the disciples of Liuhe Martial Arts Hall remained in the courtyard.

"Qin Shidi, you're too awesome!"

The martial hall members gathered around, all praising his earlier act of violently beating Luo Tong, letting them vent their inner resentment.

"By the way, Qin Shidi, I remember you hadn't even entered Inner Strength half a month ago, how did you suddenly achieve Inner Strength Great Success? Did you have some fortunate encounter? Quickly tell us!"

The martial hall disciples chattered in seven voices and eight tongues, all wanting to know the secret of Qin Shuo's sudden strength surge.

Even the inner chamber direct disciples turned their attentive gazes toward him.

In just half a month, from Pile Gong Great Accomplishment to Inner Strength Great Success, such a growth rate is truly too extraordinary, making people unable to resist wanting to investigate.

When everyone learned that he had hunted a top-grade Exotic Beast on Wolf Mountain, everyone fell silent, their breathing grew heavy, and a fiery color surged in their eyes.

Some decisive outer court disciples immediately went to ask Wei Yuan for leave, wanting to go hunt on Wolf Mountain.

Wei Yuan naturally agreed to this without hesitation.

Soon, most of the people in the courtyard had dispersed.

Only a group of the martial hall's direct disciples remained, waiting for Master Wei Yuan's instruction.

"Chen Shan, you go to the Medicine Shop to invite Master Wu, to have him set Old Seven's bones, and treat your Second Senior Brother and Fifth Senior Sister's injuries."

"Liu Xuan, you go inform Steward Hu, to have the Dining Hall prepare more Exotic Beast Meat these days, to help your senior brothers and sisters recover from their injuries!"

……

Wei Yuan arranged everything one by one, mainly concerning the subsequent injury treatment and recuperation of Zhang Xiong, Lin Feng, Song Yan, and Zhan Bai.

The senior brothers each received their orders and left, leaving only Qin Shuo, Wei Yuan, and Qin Lan in the courtyard.

"When you're done, come find me in the study!"

Wei Yuan glanced at the brother and sister, said nothing more, clasped his hands behind his back, and turned to walk toward the inner courtyard.

As soon as Wei Laotou left, Qin Lan immediately became lively, grabbing Qin Shuo's arm and excitedly saying:

"Brother, you're amazing—you actually defeated Luo Tong. Doesn't that mean you've also reached Inner Strength Great Perfection?"

"With your talent and strength, you're more than worthy of Senior Sister Song Yan."

The little girl's eyes crinkled into crescents as she smiled, her face full of pride and arrogance.

"What? In such a hurry to marry off your brother? You're pushing for a wedding the moment you get back."

Qin Shuo ruffled the little girl's head, laughing and teasing.

"Senior Sister Song Yan is wonderful! Don't let her usual cold demeanor fool you—she's a good person. If she were to become my future sister-in-law, I'd be the first to raise both hands in agreement."

"I disagree." Qin Shuo rolled his eyes.

"Senior Sister Song Yan comes from a prestigious family and values reputation highly—don't go spreading random rumors and tarnishing others' names."

"I'm just joking with you." The little girl acted coquettishly.

"During this time I've been away, have you been practicing martial arts properly?" Qin Shuo changed the subject.

"Of course!"

Speaking of martial arts, the little girl immediately put on a proud expression: "My White Crane Pile is already perfected; it won't be long before I reach completion—even Senior Sister Song Yan praised my comprehension."

Then, as if thinking of something, she lowered her head, spiritless: "Of course, compared to you, Brother, this monster—I can't compare."

The little girl shook her head and swayed her body, adopting an air of premature oldness.

"Hah! Half a month without seeing you, and your gall's grown fat—you dare call your brother a monster now!" Qin Shuo feigned a glare.

"Everyone says that!"

The little girl stuck out her tongue, quickly changing the subject: "Brother, won't you consider Senior Sister Song Yan? She really is wonderful."

"Get lost!"

Qin Shuo didn't want to discuss this topic anymore.

This little girl, who knows what spell she's under, is dead set on matching me up with Song Yan.

Fortunately, Song Yan doesn't mind it at all, treating it as a child's innocent joke and not taking it to heart.

Otherwise, constantly running into each other would be awfully awkward.

Afterward, the siblings chatted about the changes and amusing events at the martial hall over the past half month.

Senior Brothers Cao Ying and Guo Huai from the outer courtyard failed their Charging the Pass attempts and left the martial hall.

In the side courtyard, a senior sister from a decent family background succeeded in Charging the Pass, entered Inner Strength, but was then taken back by her family for cultivation and did not become the hall master's direct disciple.

Walking and talking, the siblings mostly had Qin Lan speaking and Qin Shuo listening.

Later, Qin Lan asked about Qin Shuo's trip to Wolf Mountain.

Qin Shuo naturally picked out the fun and interesting parts to tell, automatically filtering out the battles with the Dujiao Yinlang and the Sky Wolf Gang's Great Elder and others.

"Thousand-Catty Moose? Or an Exotic Beast?"

When Qin Lan learned that her brother had brought back a Thousand-Catty Moose, her small mouth opened in surprise wide enough to hold an egg, and she remained speechless for a long time.

After a good while, the little girl came to her senses, raised her thumb toward Qin Shuo, and said: "Brother, you're awesome!"

Qin Shuo broke into a radiant smile, very happy.

Afterward, the little girl seemed to think of something, her face slightly reddening as she fidgeted and whispered: "Brother……that……that Exotic Beast Meat……could you give some to Xiong Ge……he……he's been taking good care of me lately……"

By the end, Qin Lan's voice had dropped to barely audible, her face as red as a ripe apple, head lowered, unable to meet Qin Shuo's gaze.

"Oh?"

Hearing Qin Lan's bashful tone, Qin Shuo sensed the first stirrings of romance.

He immediately smirked: "Taken a liking to Xiong Ge?"

"No, no……"

The little girl, having her thoughts exposed, immediately panicked, her eyes darting: "I……I just noticed he was hurt, so……so……"

"So what?"

Qin Shuo smiled warmly, his face full of amused, gossip-loving expression as he stared at Qin Lan.

The blush on the little girl's face suddenly rose to her ears.

Finally unable to bear Qin Shuo's gaze, she stamped her foot and coquettishly cried: "Brother~! You're so bad!"

Then she ran off as if flying.

Watching the little girl's flustered fleeing figure, Qin Shuo's mouth curled into a smile of triumphant scheming.

Let this little girl keep trying to set me up with Song Yan every day—now she knows embarrassment, huh?

Seeing Qin Lan off until she disappeared from his sight, Qin Shuo then turned and walked toward the inner courtyard.

He knew his performance today had been too outstanding.

The Burning Blood Secret Technique could fool the other senior brothers, but not Wei Yuan, who had already entered the Tongmai Realm.

This meeting he requested with me likely concerns the Burning Blood Secret Technique.

However, Qin Shuo wasn't worried—he had long prepared an explanation for the source of the Burning Blood Secret Technique.

Without hesitation, he went straight to Wei Yuan's study.

When Qin Shuo arrived at Wei Yuan's study, the old man was practicing calligraphy, clearly having waited for some time.

"Close the door."

The old man instructed, lowered his brush, and began examining Qin Shuo from head to toe, as if wanting to get to know him anew.

Qin Shuo said nothing, allowing the old man to size him up.

After a long while, Wei Yuan turned around and picked up a porcelain bottle from the desk, handing it to Qin Shuo.

"This is the Peiyuan Pill, which has the effect of consolidating the foundation and nourishing the primordial, enriching the blood and promoting vitality.

It was purchased by me at a high price from the Wind and Thunder Pavilion when I roamed the prefectural city in my youth.

Originally there were five pills, but over the years only two remain; one was given to your third senior brother Zhan Bai, and the remaining one is for you."

Qin Shuo took the porcelain bottle, opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately chose to remain silent.

After giving away the Peiyuan Pill, the old man seemed to have resolved a burden, his face regaining its usual dignity and aloofness.

"Since you have already cultivated Inner Strength, I will now teach you the complete White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique."

"The complete White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique?"

Qin Shuo was slightly startled upon hearing this.

Could this White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique consist of more than just thirty-six movements?

Seeing through Qin Shuo's thoughts, Wei Yuan patiently explained: "The pile standing and saber technique taught in the Outer Court are both complete; you need not worry about that."

"Then what does the master mean by the complete saber technique?" Qin Shuo asked humbly.

Wei Yuan gestured for Qin Shuo to find a chair and sit down before continuing:

"Pile standing and saber technique both belong to external training, which is the necessary path for tempering the body, coagulating blood, and generating strength.

But after cultivating Inner Strength, if one only has pile standing and saber technique, the replenishment of qi and blood in the body cannot keep up with the speed of converting qi and blood into strength; over time, this leads to depletion of qi and blood, and the foundation is ruined.

At this point, a cultivation method is needed to help consolidate the foundation, strengthen qi and blood, prevent imbalance between blood enrichment and blood refinement, and thus the breathing method was born."

"Breathing method?"

Qin Shuo raised his eyebrows.

Suddenly, the scene of his senior brothers practicing their special breathing rhythm in the inner courtyard that day flashed in his mind.

"The breathing method is a way of drawing in the qi of heaven and earth to strengthen oneself, also known as internal cultivation.

With the aid of the breathing method, the cultivation and condensation of Inner Strength can be accelerated, reducing reliance on exotic beast meat and medicinal decoctions."

"Then why not start cultivating internal cultivation from the beginning? Wouldn't that increase the chances of Outer Court disciples breaking through into strength?" Qin Shuo asked, puzzled.

If this breathing method can enhance qi and blood and strengthen Inner Strength, then it should also help Outer Court disciples coagulate blood and generate strength, right?

"The breathing method does help somewhat in breaking through into strength, but its effect is limited and far less efficient than using external training to forge Inner Strength.

Most disciples who come to the martial hall to study martial arts come from poor families and cannot afford to spend years or even decades meticulously cultivating internal cultivation.

Therefore, the proper path is to first cultivate external training to achieve Inner Strength, then use internal cultivation to assist in the practice of Inner Strength.

If one's innate talent is limited and cannot break through Inner Strength via external training, then practicing internal cultivation would be futile, merely wasting time."

Having said this, Wei Yuan paused, then continued: "Now I will transmit to you the White Ape Breathing Method, which is the internal cultivation companion to the White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique. Without my permission, it must not be lightly transmitted to others. Do you understand?"

"Disciple understands!"

Qin Shuo quickly rose to his feet in respectful readiness, awaiting Wei Yuan's transmission of the method.

The White Ape Breathing Method is not some profound or mysterious martial art; it is merely a breathing rhythm that coordinates with the White Ape pile standing and the White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique, and it is not difficult to learn.

Under Wei Yuan's personal demonstration, Qin Shuo quickly mastered this breathing rhythm.

"Indeed, it feels somewhat different!"

After learning the breathing method, Qin Shuo felt that when practicing pile standing and boxing, his internal strength had become much more compliant; stillness and motion, expansion and contraction, all were in harmony with his breathing.

With each breath, he could clearly sense a faint energy entering his body along with his respiration.

This energy was so weak as to be nearly imperceptible, yet it truly existed.

Thus, Qin Shuo finally understood why Wei Laotou insisted on waiting until Inner Strength was cultivated before transmitting this breathing method to disciples.

Indeed, the effects of this breathing method are too subtle to be obvious.

According to Qin Shuo's own estimation, the energy refined from one bite of moose meat, if absorbed from heaven and earth via the breathing method, would likely require continued practice for two or three months.

Such a rate of energy refinement is truly tasteless to eat yet a pity to discard.

Therefore, Wei Laotou also explicitly stated that, at this stage, the breathing method is merely auxiliary, capable of helping to organize Inner Strength and qi and blood.

But to rely entirely on it to refine energy from heaven and earth to strengthen the body, or even enhance Inner Strength, is practically the delusion of a fool.

"The core of the breathing method lies in persistent practice.

The longer the cultivation time, the more you will be able to perceive its profundity.

Especially when you reach my age, you will understand that to maintain undefeated qi and blood, cultivating internal cultivation is the only way.

Therefore, you must not become lax simply because the effects of internal cultivation practice are slow to appear now.

If you wish to achieve something on the martial path, cultivating internal cultivation is indispensable.

Even when your cultivation in the martial path reaches a certain level, internal cultivation will replace external training and become the foundation for your continued advancement."

Wei Laotou spoke earnestly and repeatedly reminded Qin Shuo not to take the cultivation of internal cultivation lightly.

"Disciple bears this in mind!"

Qin Shuo's attitude was very proper; he expressed that he would surely practice internal cultivation diligently, without cease, rain or shine.

Wei Laotou nodded in satisfaction and continued:

"Pile standing, boxing, saber technique, and breathing method—these are all branches, trunks, and leaves of the White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique; they are not the root.

To learn the complete White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique, you are still missing one thing."

"What is still missing?" Qin Shuo became interested.

He had not expected that the White Ape Heavenly Gang Saber Technique actually had so many intricacies.

Having learned pile standing, boxing, saber technique, and breathing method still does not constitute completeness; there are actually other things as well.

"The Fundamental Diagram."

Wei Yuan did not beat around the bush, but walked straight to the innermost part of the study and took out a painting scroll from a fine sandalwood box.