"Does that mean," John began, his voice a low hum of inquiry, "the better one becomes at their chosen martial art, the more one could get in touch with Chi flow? Could one even indirectly reach the Master stage, potentially skipping parts of the Beginner stage, simply by perfecting these forms?"
He quickly offered a counter-thought, a pattern he needed to confirm. "Or does the breathing method within those exercises have nothing to do with Chi at all, and a specific, distinct Chi breathing method is needed instead?" John posed the new idea and question to Sensei, eager for clarification.
Sensei remained motionless, his eyes still closed. "An astute observation, John. You are beginning to see the interconnectedness. Many martial arts forms, particularly those developed in ancient times, were indeed born from an intuitive understanding of Chi flow, even if the practitioners did not always name it as such."
Sensei elaborated, "When a martial artist performs a form with perfect balance, precise breathing, and focused intent, they are, whether consciously or not, subtly manipulating their own internal energy. The breathing methods you speak of—the deep, controlled inhales and exhales—are often designed to regulate the flow of vital energy throughout the body, preparing it for explosive action or sustained endurance. The physical movements, when performed correctly, can naturally open meridians and invigorate acupoints."
"So, to answer your first question: yes, to a degree. The more proficient one becomes in such martial arts, the more their body and mind naturally align with efficient Chi movement. This can certainly provide a strong foundation for Chi sensing and manipulation, and could indeed accelerate one's journey through the Beginner stage, perhaps even giving them a head start on some of the physical applications seen in the Master stage, simply by virtue of their heightened body awareness and internal control."
"However," Sensei continued, a subtle shift in his tone, "to address your second point: while these martial arts breathing methods are beneficial, they are not a substitute for direct, conscious Chi cultivation. They are often indirect forms of Chi work. To truly master Chi, to wield it with intention and precision, to push beyond the physical benefits into the mental and sensory enhancements of the Grandmaster stage, requires specific meditative practices tailored directly to internal energy manipulation. It demands a deliberate connection, a direct command of the current, not just a byproduct of physical exertion. One might stumble upon an aspect of Chi through martial arts, but to truly forge it, one must seek it directly."
John, absorbing Sensei's words, felt a new goal solidify in his mind, clear and sharp. He immediately settled deeper into meditation, understanding now why Sensei emphasized it so often: a calm, centered mind was a powerful tool for strategic thought and planning.
He had two weeks left before the next assessment with his mentor. Elias's "Serene Coil" technique, while useful for alleviating pain by distracting nerves, hadn't actually healed his injuries. Now, with his burgeoning understanding of Chi, John knew he could heal far more effectively. However, with his current mastery, he deduced it would likely take a full week to fully mend his lingering physical tolls—a week he couldn't entirely spare since he was also embarking on the path of relearning his way of fighting, of integrating his new abilities with combat.
His adrenal manipulation might just be the key. He had only ever used his "serene state" to put himself or others in a calm, receptive mental space to contact Chi. He hadn't yet explored using that heightened internal control to directly manipulate his own Chi flow. The thought sparked an exhilarating possibility.
John's thoughts churned. His "serene state," while powerful, came with a significant cost: it was incredibly draining. A new, unsettling question surfaced in his mind: last night, when he'd pushed his adrenal manipulation to its limits, had his body unconsciously chosen to use his vital Chi as fuel?
He hadn't minded then, focused as he was on making his point. But now, as he planned to leverage his serene state and Chi for healing, this potential unintended consequence was a major problem. It defeated his entire purpose if his Chi was drained away, leaving him without enough energy for self-healing. He would have to test if this was something he could consciously control, if he could direct his body not to tap into his Chi reserves when using his adrenal abilities. He believed this serene state, if mastered, would serve him well when he began to relearn his martial arts.
With all these new variables and critical tasks, John realized his meticulous schedule was already under immense pressure. He barely had time to use his adrenal manipulation on others to train that specific power and mental strength, let alone dedicate sufficient hours to studying the medical texts Sensei had emphasized. His days were becoming more complex.
It now all boiled down to which need was more acute: survival. John needed to pass the upcoming assessment to buy himself more time, and with more time, he could accomplish everything else he needed.
With this clear, singular goal, John began to mentally direct his Chi to the places in his body that needed healing. As for the other trainees, while they still hadn't felt Chi themselves, it was no longer a problem for them to enter a meditative state. Now, all that was left for them was to search for that elusive hum of Chi, which, quite honestly, none of them would likely find without external assistance.
The class stretched on, longer than usual, perhaps because it was the last day. Some trainees, unable to sustain their meditative state, took the opportunity to fall into a deep sleep—a rare luxury for them within the League. Sensei didn't seem to mind. John, however, was the only one holding on, pushing his limits. Once his mental state felt strained and he found Chi hard to move, he shifted, focusing instead on meditation to recover. He wished he could precisely time his current progress, measuring exactly how long it took to heal and recover his Chi.
The afternoon sun began to dip below the mountain peaks, casting long, purple shadows across the training hall. Inside, the air, once vibrant with the subtle movements of focused minds, grew heavy. John felt the familiar drain begin: a gnawing hunger in his gut and a deep weariness that seeped into his bones, a clear sign his Chi reserves were running low. He wasn't the only one. Scattered around the hall, other trainees stirred, some stretching stiff limbs, others groaning softly as they woke from a forced slumber.
It was precisely at this moment, as the last rays of sunlight faded from the highest windows, that Sensei's voice, calm and unwavering, broke the profound silence.
"That will be all for today," he announced, his eyes slowly opening. They fixed on the assembled trainees, a final, appraising gaze. "And with that, our lessons on Chi concludes."
A collective sigh, a mix of relief and subtle apprehension, rippled through the room.
"Remember what you have learned," Sensei continued, his voice resonating with ancient wisdom. "The path of Chi is a lifelong journey. It is not merely about power, but about understanding, balance, and diligent practice. The knowledge of Chi lies within you, if you are patient enough to seek it, and disciplined enough to cultivate it."
He paused, then added, his tone carrying a subtle, final warning that seemed directed at no one, and everyone. "The League's trials await. Use what you have gained wisely. May your Chi always be strong."
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