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After practicing the basic movements of Tai Chi several times, Yang Xiong increasingly realized its profound depth and breadth.
Especially after performing Tai Chi repeatedly, the soul power within his body began to flow like internal energy in martial arts, seemingly following a specific trajectory.
Tai Chi was a treasure of China's martial arts culture—easy to learn and widely accessible. Though Yang Xiong hadn't been particularly interested in cultivation in his previous life, he had studied some related materials, especially since his grandfather loved it. Moreover, countless movies and TV shows featured Tai Chi, including the iconic masterpiece of a certain Li-surnamed star that Yang Xiong had watched countless times. (Jet Li? Idk)
The basic movements of Tai Chi were familiar to many, and its principles were clear, focusing on three main points: slow and gentle motions, smooth and continuous flow, and clarity between empty and solid states.
Given the uniqueness of his Body Martial Soul, especially after achieving silver-tier secondary awakening, Yang Xiong's perception of soul power had become more acute. He could now clearly observe the flow of soul power within his body. By his estimation, this must be what was referred to as "meridians" in his previous life.
Moreover, after undergoing Ice and Fire body tempering, the ice and fire energies from the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot seemed to have accumulated within his meridians. Though not all meridians were fully opened, they felt significantly smoother compared to before his secondary awakening.
At this moment, Yang Xiong couldn't help but think of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum in his possession. In terms of effects, it was truly the most suitable immortal herb for a Body Martial Soul.
The effects of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum were remarkable—it could invigorate the limbs, open the eight meridians, and cultivate an indestructible body. It was undoubtedly the best immortal herb for a Body Martial Soul.
However, to make his body even stronger and lay a firmer foundation for the future, Yang Xiong had chosen Ice and Fire body tempering instead.
Over the next period, Yang Xiong sketched out a simple diagram of the human meridian system based on the flow of soul power within his body, particularly the involuntary movement of soul power while practicing Tai Chi, combined with memories from his previous life. The diagram consisted only of lines without specific names for the meridians—he hadn't delved deeply into this subject in his past life and had no intention of doing so now.
Using this meridian map and his growing mastery of Tai Chi, Yang Xiong reverse-engineered a unique meditation technique of his own.
This meditation method was still in its infancy, but Yang Xiong believed that given the profound nature of Tai Chi, this technique would surpass Tang San's Xuan Tian Gong.
In the following days, Yang Xiong attempted to guide the flow of soul power within his body according to the principles of Tai Chi. After practicing Tai Chi multiple times, he gradually began to grasp its essence.
During this time, Yang Xiong's breathing and consciousness underwent subtle changes. Traditional meditation methods involved forcibly absorbing energy from the air.
However, Tai Chi emphasized unity within the body, combining internal and external forces. The cultivation process required complete relaxation of both mind and body, and the soul power within him seemed to integrate seamlessly, even fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
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After months of secluded training, Yang Xiong's Tai Chi-inspired meditation technique finally took shape.
By observing the flow of soul power within his body, Yang Xiong realized it was entirely different from the conventional meditation techniques of the Douluo Continent. Centered around the head and rooted in the five viscera and six organs of the torso, the flow of soul power felt natural and seamless. The meridians appeared to have gradually merged into a cohesive whole. Upon closer inspection, the flow of soul power within Yang Xiong's body resembled the pattern of a Tai Chi symbol—or, more specifically, the Yin-Yang Fish.
The Yin-Yang Fish was the foundation of Tai Chi and represented its ultimate pursuit. The soul power within his body flowed ceaselessly like yin and yang, though the speed of circulation was initially slow, it was continuous and harmonious.
After months of intense practice, Yang Xiong's soul power finally reached level twenty-six on the day the Yin-Yang Fish formed within his body. Based on his estimates, his soul power would grow increasingly potent over time. As his Tai Chi meditation technique improved, his cultivation speed would also accelerate.
At his current level, Yang Xiong's meditation technique encompassed only the torso and head, leaving the limbs excluded. Further refinement of the technique was needed.
However, Yang Xiong estimated that once the technique was perfected, his entire body would function as a unified whole. Not only would his cultivation speed increase, but it would also become self-sustaining and endless—a true embodiment of Tai Chi's essence.
Yang Xiong named this newly developed meditation technique the Yin-Yang Meditation Technique. He believed that when fully mastered, it would surpass Tang San's Xuan Tian Gong.
While Xuan Tian Gong was a top-tier technique of the Taoist tradition, it originated from the Tang Sect—a relatively ordinary sect in the martial arts world. The Tang Sect was primarily known for its expertise in crafting and using hidden weapons, making it surprising that they possessed such a profound cultivation technique. The Tang Sect was essentially an assassination organization, considered a second-rate sect in most martial arts worlds, often despised by others.
In any martial arts world, however, Taoist held an undisputed leadership position, with the Yin-Yang Fish serving as its core principle and even its spiritual belief.
As for why Yang Xiong didn't name the technique the Tai Chi Meditation Technique, it was to avoid revealing that he wasn't from this world—a secret he guarded closely. He feared that Tang San might recognize the term "Tai Chi."
One day, Yang Xiong finally stepped out of his home. This was because his school graduation was approaching, and he hadn't attended classes for nearly half a year. The school had specially sent someone to notify him that his attendance was mandatory.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect managed students loosely in some aspects but strictly in others.
Since most students came from soul master families, they were allowed to skip classes to cultivate at home. Each family had its own unique cultivation methods, which often proved more effective than classroom instruction.
Take Ning Rongrong, for example. Aside from attending basic classes, she primarily focused on cultivating soul power and practicing multitasking under the personal guidance of Ning Fengzhi. This approach yielded far better results than large classroom settings.
The strictness of the school manifested in regular assessments of students' soul power levels. After the sixth grade, combat abilities were also tested. The sect maintained detailed records of every student, including specifics like soul ring absorption and breakthroughs in soul power levels.
Moreover, every disciple of the sect had a meticulously planned cultivation path to ensure they didn't stray. This was one reason for the sect's enduring strength.
To Yang Xiong's knowledge, his school teachers had discussed his cultivation plan with his father, Yang Lin, several times. Unfortunately, Yang Xiong had his own cultivation strategy, and his parents, lacking deep knowledge of Body Martial Souls, occasionally offered guidance but otherwise refrained from interfering.
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