Martial Arts Across the Heavens: Becoming a Martial God Starting from the Big Boss in Tangshan

The courtyard fell silent immediately after he said that.

Wang Zhe stared wide-eyed at Chen Wen, almost dropping the towel in his hand:

"Damn, you... are you alright? Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

"Feng Yuxiu is a martial arts fanatic who kills people, and you, on the other hand, want to become an immortal?"

Tan Jingyao was taken aback at first, then shook his head with a wry smile and explained to Chen Boguang and Shao Henian, who also looked astonished:

"See? I told you before."

"Feng Yuxiu is a martial arts fanatic who wants to kill people to prove his Dao."

"The man before us is also quite ill, and his ambitions are even greater; he wants to become an immortal and attain enlightenment!"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, all feeling that Chen Wen's words were too mystical and unrealistic, as if he had gone mad from practicing martial arts.

however.

After his initial surprise, Shao Henian frowned slightly, revealing a thoughtful expression.

Unlike the others who thought this was nonsense, he pondered for a moment before slowly speaking:

"This sounds like ancient martial arts, or perhaps the methods of Taoist cultivation?"

"Huh?" Chen Boguang, Wang Zhe, and Tan Jingyao all looked at Shao Henian in surprise.

Shao Henian looked at Chen Wen, his gaze becoming somewhat complicated:

"Although we all practice martial arts, we practice different styles of martial arts."

"The fist, footwork, grappling, and leg techniques you practice focus on combat skills; they are about 'application'."

"The internal martial arts I practice, when traced back to their origins, actually evolved from Taoist guiding exercises and health cultivation techniques."

He paused, then continued:

"Take Xingyiquan for example. It is said that it originally only had five forms, which were imitated by ape, bear, bird, tiger and deer."

"Its prototype originated from the Five Animal Exercises created by Hua Tuo."

Why did Hua Tuo create the Five Animal Frolics?

"It's to help people imitate animal movements, loosen their muscles and bones, improve blood circulation, treat illnesses, strengthen the body, and prolong life!"

"He never even considered using this to fight or kill."

Shao Henian's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet courtyard:

"Therefore, fundamentally speaking, the original purpose of internal martial arts was to 'nourish' and 'live,' not to 'kill.'"

"It was only in order to defend themselves and protect themselves that people in later generations gradually developed fierce fighting techniques."

"Chen Wen's talk of 'breaking limits' and 'exploring higher levels of life' sounds mysterious."

"But if we continue along the original path of 'cultivating health and refining oneself' in internal martial arts, theoretically... it might actually be possible to succeed."

Chen Boguang, Wang Zhe, and Tan Jingyao were all stunned.

They practiced kung fu their whole lives, fighting to the death, vying for fame and fortune, or retiring from the martial arts world for a peaceful life.

I have never thought about the origins and ultimate possibilities of martial arts from this perspective.

Shao Henian's words were truly too profound.

So... martial arts can be understood this way? Not for fighting and being fierce, but for... immortality?

The shock of this realization left the group of people, who were all well-informed, momentarily stunned and deeply moved.

Chen Wen was also surprised.

His words just now were all based on Brother Long's teachings and the ambition brought about by the system's support.

Unexpectedly, Shao Henian not only understood it, but also provided such clear evidence from the perspective of the origins of martial arts.

"Master Shao, you know so much!"

Chen Wen couldn't help but admire it, and then he became excited.

He had only followed Brother Long for a short time, barely scratching the surface, and before he could delve deeper into the details, he was transported back to another world.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about ancient martial arts and health preservation methods!

"Regarding the ancient health preservation techniques you mentioned, could you please elaborate on the specific cultivation methods, breathing exercises, and internal cultivation techniques?"

Shao Henian shook his head and said with a wry smile:

"Chen Wen, don't be fooled by my eloquent explanation. It's just because I practice internal martial arts and like to read old boxing manuals and ancient books, so I know some of the origins and stories."

"The real, systematic ancient health preservation techniques, especially the Taoist internal alchemy, are very complex, emphasizing lineage, oral formulas, and timing."

"Moreover, many core concepts are passed down orally and through personal instruction, and are not found in writing."

"I can teach you Xingyi Quan's fighting techniques and health concepts, but I'm not up to the task of going deeper or into more abstract terms."

"If you really want to understand this in depth, instead of asking me, why don't you go to those Taoist temples and visit those old Taoist masters who have passed down their teachings?"

"They may not be as good as us in fighting, but when it comes to self-cultivation, balancing yin and yang, and exploring the way of life, they are professionals."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wen nodded thoughtfully.

"Go and consult the Taoist priest..."

"Come on!" Wang Zhe scoffed from the side, interrupting Chen Wen's thoughts.

"These days, nine and a half out of ten Taoist priests are frauds! The remaining half is probably just good at reciting scriptures."

"Taoist temples have all become tourist attractions and photo spots. You're going to ask them about immortality?"

"Wouldn't that be a waste of effort, just letting people rip you off?"

These words were direct, even somewhat harsh, but Chen Boguang, Shao Henian, and Tan Jingyao all showed a complex expression of embarrassment and helplessness upon hearing them.

They knew in their hearts that although what Wang Zhe said was extreme, it was largely true.

There are indeed true, accomplished, and highly virtuous Taoist masters with lineage and practical experience.

But they are extremely rare, hidden gems, and not easily found in tourist-filled scenic spots.

Most people on the market who do this are people who make a living from it or even run a business.

Chen Boguang thought for a moment, then slowly began to speak:

"What Wang Zhe said was harsh, but it was the truth. However..."

He looked at Chen Wen with a peculiar expectation in his eyes.

"Chen Wen, you are different from ordinary people."

"You're a prodigy, your comprehension is frighteningly high."

"Instead of trying your luck with those Taoist priests whose authenticity is hard to discern, perhaps you should just go and read the scriptures directly."

"Reading scriptures?" Tan Jingyao was taken aback.

"Yes, the classics of Taoism." Chen Boguang nodded, "The Tao Te Ching, the Zhuangzi, the Yellow Emperor's Yin Fu Jing, the Zhouyi Cantong Qi... those fundamental classics that have been passed down."

"Many Taoist priests these days can only recite it; they may not truly understand its deeper meaning. But Chen Wen, your comprehension..."

He shook his head, his meaning clear.

For ordinary people, reading scriptures might be like reading a book written in heaven, but Chen Wen, this prodigy, might actually be able to glean something from between the lines.

At first, everyone thought it was absurd.

The Taoist scriptures are profound and mysterious. Throughout history, countless wise men have spent their entire lives studying them, yet they may not have been able to grasp their essence. They have had to rely on self-study and enlightenment.

But then I thought about it again.

Chen Wen is a monster who can learn the basics with just a few glances and break through the barriers after listening to a few explanations!

For him, nothing seems impossible.

"That seems... to make sense?" Wang Zhe stroked his chin, his attitude changing as well. "Anyway, it won't hurt to give it a try. It's better than going to those charlatans."

Shao Henian nodded and said:

"Master Chen's suggestion is good."

"Reading books helps one understand principles, especially fundamental classics. Even if one cannot directly find cultivation methods, at least one can get to the root of the matter, understand the principles, and avoid going astray."

Chen Wen nodded seriously:

"Okay, I've got it. I'll go find these books to read later."

Shao Henian then recalled something else and added:

"In fact, Xingyiquan's direct imitation of animals is also a kind of 'enlightenment'."

"In Xingyi Quan, the dragon is a mythical creature that cannot be seen. But the tiger, monkey, horse, rooster, swallow, snake, eagle, and bear can all be found in reality."

"Going to the zoo and carefully observing their expressions, movements, and power generation methods will definitely help you understand the essence of boxing."