RNP Page 4
Page 4
Qiao Tian held his breath, suppressing the palpitations caused by his previous exertion of internal energy and the unknown environment, and listened intently. Apart from the faint crackling of the torch and his own steady heartbeat, there was no other sound. The silence here was eerie, as if the world had forgotten it for a thousand years.
He raised the torch high and cautiously shone it forward.
Before us lay a man-made passageway, not wide enough for just one person to pass. The walls were all hard rock, the chisel marks ancient and rugged, yet the ground was unusually smooth. The passageway extended several feet forward before disappearing into a more spacious stone chamber.
The stone chamber was square and simple, but the huge stone wall facing the entrance made Qiao Tian's breath catch in his throat!
In the firelight, the stone wall was as smooth as a mirror, covered with densely packed patterns and characters—the Sanskrit he had memorized after years of arduous study! And it was the extremely ancient and beautiful Siddham script!
However, unlike the systematic exposition of martial arts classics one might imagine, what is written on the wall is more like the random thoughts, drafts, and martial arts deductions of a wise person during a period of meditation! The text is not a continuous chapter, but rather fragments of insights, questions, conclusions, and conjectures; the illustrations are countless simple yet core-pointing diagrams of human figures in motion and the flow of internal energy.
Qiao Tian was shocked. He rushed forward, brought the torch closer, and stared intently at it.
He soon discovered that the martial arts wall did not record the complex and specific moves and mental techniques of the later Shaolin Seventy-Two Arts, but rather more than twenty kinds of "martial arts truths"! Each one pointed directly to the essence of a certain martial art. The great way is simple, yet it contains infinite variations and possibilities. Its exquisiteness far surpasses the various moves that have evolved in later generations.
He recognized it at a glance—it was the core principle of the Vajra Indestructible Body Divine Skill! The explanation on the wall wasn't about how to circulate energy to form a protective barrier, but rather about exploring the essence of the "indestructible body"—how to use the extremely high-frequency micro-oscillations of internal energy to dissolve, diffuse, and guide external forces layer by layer; and how to highly concentrate essence, energy, and spirit into a single point, making a localized part of the physical body instantly as hard as diamond. This was far superior to simply brute force!
He saw the diagram of the Prajna Palm again! It didn't have a fixed set of palm techniques, but rather explained the "power of emptiness and wisdom"—the palm force wasn't purely brute force; its core lay in the intention of "seeing through illusion and striking the truth." The palm force could be hard or soft, real or illusory, penetrating to the surface and reaching deep within, directly injuring the internal organs. A few power-generating postures were engraved on the side, yet they perfectly revealed the mystery of transmitting the body's power to the palm.
Look again at the diagram of the finger technique! It explores not the fierceness of the finger force, but the control of "utmost softness and precision" - how to transform fierce internal force into the softest silk-reeling force, which can break through all kinds of protective qi; and how to combine mental power with finger force to achieve incredible precision and control, not for killing, but for the supreme method of controlling people, striking acupoints, and releasing acupoints.
And then there's the profound mystery of crossing the river on a single reed! It's not about leaping and bounding, but about understanding the relationship between "lightness, heaviness, and borrowing force"—how to perceive and utilize the power of the wind, the water, and even the slightest force of an opponent, to achieve a state of lightness like a feather, walking on water. Several mysterious steps are engraved beside it, seemingly containing the ultimate truths of the universe.
Furthermore, there were discussions on "rhythm and resonance," akin to the Lion's Roar; the foundation of "remote force control," almost like the Dragon-Capturing Skill; and the concept of "overcoming hardness with softness, binding cloth into a staff," similar to the Kasaya Subduing Demon Skill… These twenty-odd martial arts insights, like a "general outline" of martial arts, captivated Qiao Tian. Many of the confusions he had previously encountered while practicing the Nine Yang Divine Skill and observing Shaolin martial arts suddenly became clear! The Seventy-Two Ultimate Skills of later generations were likely developed by one or more genius monks based on these more ancient and fundamental "core insights," combined with their own understanding. Xuan Cheng's tragedy may have stemmed from only learning the "form" without comprehending the "spirit"!
Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, Qiao Tian knew it was impossible to memorize it all at once. He forced himself to calm down, his gaze sweeping across the screen, prioritizing the most crucial information that might resolve his current bottleneck in the Nine Yang Divine Skill.
His gaze finally settled on the deepest part of the stone chamber. There stood a slightly smooth stone platform, seemingly used for meditation. On the wall behind the platform, several lines of the largest Sanskrit characters were carved, the strokes powerful and deeply engraved into the stone:
"External martial arts techniques are but the branches and leaves. Muscles, bones, qi, and blood are the boat and raft. Spirit and intention are the helmsman. Cleansing the marrow and refining the hair, one sees the indestructible spirit. Power arises from the heart, formless and without appearance."
Below this passage is not a specific mental cultivation method, but an extremely complex visualization diagram—depicting how spiritual intention permeates, cleanses, and tempers the bone marrow like flowing water, how it guides internal energy deep into the subtle parts of the internal organs, and how it stimulates the deepest potential of the physical body! Its complexity and subtlety far surpass the methods of the first three levels of the "Nine Yang Divine Skill"!
"This is... the true meaning of the Marrow Cleansing Classic!" Qiao Tian's mind exploded like a thunderbolt! This is not a method for cultivating internal energy, but an unparalleled secret for completely transforming and controlling the physical body with mental will! It is the key to unleashing the ultimate power of the Nine Yang Divine Skill's supreme Yang internal energy, and even to glimpse the ultimate realm of martial arts!
The torch began to flicker, clearly not going to last long.
Qiao Tian's mind raced. He absolutely couldn't leave now! He quickly scanned his surroundings and saw some withered branches and leaves scattered in a corner, seemingly left behind by the animals that had wandered in earlier. He immediately gathered them up, carefully lit them, and built a small, longer-lasting campfire, providing a more stable light source.
With the light, he felt a little more at ease. Knowing that he couldn't bite off more than he could chew, he immediately calmed his mind: first, he would memorize the visualization diagram and general outline of the "Marrow Cleansing Classic"; second, he would memorize the original discourse on the condensation of yang energy and the harmony of yin and yang that he might need later in the "Nine Yang Divine Skill"; and finally, he would try to memorize the few martial arts insights that resonated with him the most among the more than twenty. These included the "Indestructible Vajra Body" and the "True Meaning of Crossing the River on a Reed".
He sat cross-legged on the stone platform, and by the light of the campfire, he cleared his mind of all distractions, immersing himself completely in the sea of wisdom on the stone wall. Thanks to the extraordinary memory and concentration brought about by the second level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, he imprinted the most essential content into his mind one by one.
After an unknown amount of time, the campfire gradually grew weaker.
Qiao Tian finally opened his eyes, bloodshot yet gleaming with a light of enlightenment. He had initially memorized the core principles, visualization diagrams, and the fundamental essence of three or four martial arts techniques; a deeper understanding would require repeated contemplation and practice in the future. As for the rest, he could only leave that for the future, if fate allowed.
He walked to the entrance and carefully examined the inside of the stone wall. Sure enough, he found an area that subtly echoed the outside but was slightly different, with a very shallow palm print indentation that could only be activated with extreme Yang internal force.
He took a deep breath and circulated his Nine Yang True Qi once more. Although he felt tired, his inner strength remained pure. He slowly pressed his palm into the indentation, channeling his true qi.
"Crackling..." The mechanism clicked again, and the crack slowly opened. Daylight streamed in; it was already dusk.
Qiao Tian dodged to the side and was seen again. The stone wall behind him silently closed, returning to its original state, as if nothing had ever happened.
Standing amidst the mountains and forests, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, Qiao Tian closed his eyes, and the vast and profound principles of martial arts in his mind gradually illuminated like stars.
His hands were empty.
But his martial arts have opened a completely new door.
Chapter 11 Marrow Cleansing and Bone Forging, Nine Yang Breaking Through the Mirror
The stone wall closed heavily behind him, completely blocking out the last ray of sunlight. Inside the Bodhidharma Temple, the dim oil lamp cast Qiao Tian's shadow on the mottled wall, flickering uncertainly.
Instead of restoring the energy he had expended opening the stone gate, he immediately sat cross-legged and quickly entered a meditative state. The vast martial arts principles inscribed on the stone wall surged within his mind, eagerly awaiting his comprehension.
The true essence of the Marrow Cleansing Classic is far beyond that of ordinary internal energy cultivation methods. It does not describe specific routes for the circulation of internal energy, but rather a profound cultivation method that requires guiding internal energy with intention, allowing it to seep into the depths of the body's bone marrow like spring rain nourishing all things, cleansing away acquired impurities and awakening the source of life.
This process is extremely dangerous; the slightest mistake can lead to disordered meridians.
Qiao Tian carefully guided his Nine Yang True Qi, which had reached the second level of "Tendon Changing and Marrow Cleansing," slowly circulating it according to the instructions in the scripture. Initially, it felt like a warm current flowing through his body, comforting and pleasant. But when he tried to channel a wisp of true qi deep into his arm bone—
A muffled groan escaped his throat. Qiao Tian shuddered violently, and a fine layer of cold sweat beaded on his forehead. The pain felt like steel needles piercing his bone marrow, and the subsequent tingling and numbness almost shattered his mind.
He abruptly withdrew his inner energy, his chest heaving violently.
Only then did he truly understand why the *Xi Sui Jing* (Marrow Washing Classic) had been nearly lost. Such pain was unbearable without immense willpower!
"Don't be greedy." He took a deep breath, his voice slightly hoarse in the silence. "You must proceed gradually, guiding your breath with your mind."
He refocused his mind, immersing himself entirely in cultivation. He no longer resisted the pain, but accepted it with a detached mind, viewing it as a necessary tempering. His breathing gradually became longer and more even, merging with the abundant and harmonious rhythm of the Nine Yang True Qi.
As the true energy penetrated deep into his bone marrow once more, the pain persisted, but his mind became increasingly clear. Each time, he would choose only one spot, injecting a wisp of pure yang true energy to endure the extreme torment, before withdrawing and circulating the Nine Yang Nourishing Energy.
Each journey felt like walking on the edge of life and death. His monk's robe was soaked with cold sweat, clinging to his thin yet resilient back. His lips were bitten so deeply that deep marks were visible, and his body trembled slightly uncontrollably.
But his gaze grew ever brighter.
He could clearly feel that the bone marrow that had been refined by true qi, though the process was brutal, was more resilient afterward. The newly generated qi and blood were also more refined, containing a powerful vitality.
The Nine Yang Divine Skill is supremely Yang and pure, a sacred healing technique; the Marrow Cleansing Scripture, on the other hand, is about breaking down and rebuilding, rebirth through extreme tempering. The two complement each other! The Nine Yang True Qi ensures that the Marrow Cleansing does not damage the foundation, but rather accelerates the reshaping process; the strong physique after Marrow Cleansing can perfectly bear the supreme Yang internal energy!
Time slipped away in agony. Outside the window, the moon had set and the stars had faded, and the first light of dawn was breaking.
As the first rays of dawn pierced through the darkness, Qiao Tian slowly opened his eyes.
After a night of arduous practice, he was pale and emaciated, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness.
However, the moment he opened his eyes, his internal energy seemed to be sublimated.
He slowly raised his hand, his five fingers slightly curled. The Nine Yang True Qi within his body, which had originally flowed like a stream, now surged and roared like the Yangtze River, its speed of circulation more than twice as fast! Moreover, it was more condensed and pure; with the slightest thought, its immense power could instantly reach every part of his body!
The third level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill – "Extreme Yang Blaze" – is achieved naturally!
Moreover, he felt stronger and healthier, with more energy and sharper senses. He could clearly hear the sound of pine needles falling to the ground dozens of feet away.
The greatest gain, however, lay in his state of mind. After a night of tempering with the "Marrow Cleansing Classic," his will was as strong as steel, unbreakable. At this moment, his mind was clear, and many obscure points in the martial arts principles suddenly became clear.
"I see..." he murmured softly, "To reach the fourth level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, 'Yin Arises from Yang Extreme,' one must comprehend a trace of the profound Yin essence within the most Yang internal energy. The Marrow Cleansing Classic, on the other hand, refines the mind and allows for meticulous self-control; it is precisely the supreme method for comprehending the life force of 'Yin Extreme'!"
What was once a major obstacle that baffled us has now been easily resolved.
Qiao Tian stood up, stretched his limbs, and his joints cracked repeatedly. He walked to the courtyard and lifted the stone vat that he used to have to lift with all his might, but now it felt as light as a feather.
He knew that the foundation of the strength he had been searching for had finally been laid.
Chapter 12 Deep Thoughts Under the Moonlight
The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the stone steps in front of the Dharma Hall. Qiao Tian sat in meditation, a faint purple aura swirling around him, a sign that the Nine Yang Divine Skill had reached its peak. He slowly finished his practice, opened his eyes, a flash of brilliance in them before returning to calm.
Since breaking through the third level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill and tempering his body and soul with the *Marrow Cleansing Classic*, his internal energy has reached a state of boundless yet restrained power. His five senses far surpass those of ordinary people; he can hear the faintest sounds a hundred meters away, and his perception of breath and vitality is particularly acute. With his eyes closed and focused inward, the true energy in his dantian surges like a mighty river, vast and inexhaustible; with the slightest thought, he can perceive the most subtle flow of qi and blood. And when his mind is calm and his thoughts are emptied, another, even more profound perception quietly emerges—
The work is done, but the heart is not yet at ease.
His thoughts drifted unconsciously to the legend of "Zhang Wuji".
“Five years…eighth level…” Qiao Tian murmured softly, his brows slightly furrowed. He possessed two supreme martial arts techniques, and his progress was already remarkably rapid, but compared to Zhang Wuji's almost absurd cultivation speed, he still felt utterly inadequate, even experiencing a touch of frustration. “What is so special about him? Is it the potential unleashed when he was trapped in a desperate situation, his mind free of distractions? Or is it his mastery of medical principles and acupoints, cultivating both internal and external strength…”
He recalled Zhang Wuji's benevolence, purity, clarity of mind, and lack of desire, which perfectly aligned with the essence of the Nine Yang Divine Skill: "Let him be strong, the breeze still caresses the mountain." A sudden realization dawned on him. While the Nine Yang Divine Skill was extremely yang and powerful, perhaps it required a heart of utmost gentleness and humility to seamlessly integrate that vast yang energy, leading to astonishing progress. He, on the other hand, harbored too many schemes, too much anxiety, and too many obsessions to protect and reverse the situation. His chaotic thoughts had inadvertently become a shackle on his cultivation.
"Is temperament... really the key?" Qiao Tianxin realized something. But then, he shook his head. He couldn't follow Zhang Wuji's path. He couldn't let go of his worries about his family's fate; that deep-seated desire to protect them was both his motivation and an invisible shackle on his martial arts journey.
His thoughts then turned to Qiao Feng.
"Look at Feng Di again..." Qiao Tian's gaze drifted to the main peak of Shaoshi Mountain, his eyes deepening. "Shaolin basic internal skills, ordinary external martial arts... how could he achieve such astonishing results?"
Qiao Feng's martial arts talent was undoubtedly unparalleled throughout history, but Qiao Tian's thoughts ran deeper. His strength seemed to stem not only from the martial arts themselves, but more from the man himself. His innate superhuman strength and physique far surpassed that of ordinary people were his foundation. Even more terrifying was his indomitable fighting spirit, growing stronger with each encounter and more courageous in battle. His understanding and application of techniques often transcended the limitations of manuals, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Even a set of Taizu Long Fist in his hands could unleash power comparable to a supreme martial art.
“He is a man born for war.” Qiao Tianxin understood. “His strength lies in the man controlling the martial arts, rather than the martial arts controlling the man. Any martial art in his hands can reach its peak, or even break through the limits.”
So, what should I, as an elder brother who knows the future, do?
To teach him more profound martial arts? The Nine Yang Divine Skill? The Marrow Cleansing Classic? Or those original martial arts techniques on the stone wall?
The idea was extremely tempting. It seemed that if Qiao Feng possessed greater power sooner, he could face the storms of the future with greater ease.
But Qiao Tian immediately rejected it.
“No.” His eyes narrowed. “Brother Feng’s path is one he forged step by step on his own. The basic skills of Shaolin are the best whetstone to polish this rough gem. If we grant him divine skills too early, it may be counterproductive and cause him to lose the tempering he needs in real combat and the breakthroughs he needs under pressure.”
Qiao Feng's later achievements were a result of a combination of talent, temperament, and circumstances. To rashly alter his martial arts path would be like tampering with the method of tempering a divine weapon—the outcome is unpredictable. It might accelerate the growth of his internal energy, but would it diminish the combat wisdom honed through the most basic skills, and the raw courage and ferocity derived from the essence of life?
“I cannot walk his path for him.” Qiao Tian took a deep breath, suppressing the urgent urge to help him. “What I should do is not to replace him, but to protect him and clear away obstacles.”
He recalled the scene where Xuan Ku secretly taught him the "Dragon-Capturing Skill." It might have been the first profound martial art Qiao Feng encountered in his early days, yet it still belonged to the Shaolin system, and it was only after Qiao Feng's foundation was extremely solid. This seemed to confirm his idea: what Qiao Feng needed was a natural improvement, not a divine skill that fell from the sky.
“What I can do…” Qiao Tian’s eyes flashed, his mind racing, “is to protect him from being disturbed in consolidating his foundation, to intervene effectively when he encounters a truly insurmountable calamity, and to cut off in advance those conspiracies and schemes that might threaten him and his parents.”
For example, the "great villain" Xiao Yuanshan... For example, Murong Bo... And the turmoil in Shaolin Temple caused by Qiao Feng's background...
His power should be used in the shadows, becoming the most secure shield behind Qiao Feng, rather than forcibly altering Qiao Feng's own growth trajectory.
"As for the Nine Yang Divine Skill..." Qiao Tian looked at his hands, feeling the surging Yang energy within his body, "My path is destined to be different from Brother Feng's. I need to become stronger faster, just to possess the power to reverse fate."
He thought of the deeper, more profound principles inscribed on the stone wall, and of the subsequent passes of the Nine Yangs, especially the crucial "harmony of Yin and Yang".
“It’s time…” Qiao Tian made up his mind. He needed a period of completely undisturbed time to devote himself to seclusion and thoroughly integrate the essence of the stone wall martial arts with the Nine Yang Divine Skill and the Marrow Cleansing Classic. The cave where Bodhidharma meditated was undoubtedly the best choice.
He quietly returned to the servants' quarters and, like the most ordinary sweeping monk, silently prepared. The next day, he collected his rations as usual, but discreetly prepared extra durable rations—a few coarse flatbreads, some pickled vegetables, and a small bag of rice. He also took a small jar of salt and a water bag from the kitchen when no one was looking. These supplies would be enough for him to survive in the cave for some time.
He knew this seclusion was no small matter; once it began, he could not afford to be distracted until he succeeded. When he emerged, he would no longer be the unknown Shaolin servant Qiao Tian. Before anyone noticed, he would quietly disappear into the Shaolin Temple, becoming a true "shadow," lurking in the shadows, solely to protect everything he cherished when the storm of fate descended.
A night breeze rustled through the leaves.
Qiao Tian stood up, put the small bundle he had prepared into his arms, and his figure disappeared silently into the deeper night of the back mountain, heading towards the hidden stone cave.
He knew a storm was brewing.
And he must do it before that—
Become powerful enough.
Chapter 13 A Different Realm of Cave Heaven
The night was as dark as ink. Qiao Tian's figure, like a wisp of smoke, silently floated to the secluded stone wall behind Shaolin Temple. He held his breath and made sure no one was around before circulating his Nine Yang True Qi and pressing his palm against an inconspicuous dent.
"Crackling..." A low, almost inaudible turning sound filled the silence as the stone wall slowly slid open, revealing a gap just wide enough for one person to pass through sideways. A whiff of aged dust rushed out. Without hesitation, Qiao Tian slipped inside. The stone wall silently closed behind him, isolating him from the outside world.
Absolute darkness instantly engulfed his vision. Unperturbed, he took out a tinderbox and lit the torch he had brought. The orange glow struggled to spread, barely illuminating a few steps around him, casting his swaying figure onto the rough cave wall.
He lit his torch and looked around. The legendary cave where Bodhidharma meditated was more spacious than he had imagined. The entrance was a short, narrow passage, leading a few steps to a main stone chamber about three zhang square. The floor was smooth, clearly man-made. The walls were bare, except for a massive wall facing the entrance, densely covered with Sanskrit characters and symbols—the very wall containing the profound principles of martial arts. In one corner of the chamber was a smooth stone platform, seemingly for meditation. Apart from that, the cave was empty, covered only with a thin layer of ash, a testament to its long-standing desolation.
Qiao Tian inserted the torch into a natural crack in the wall and began to set it up. The contents of his bundle were extremely simple: a few coarse flatbreads, a few packets of pickled vegetables, several small bags of rice, a jar of salt, and a bag of water. This would be his entire livelihood for the next period of time.
He brushed away the dust from the stone platform, using it as a makeshift bed, and cleared a clean area for himself to move around in. The air in the cave was cool, but not stuffy; instead, it seemed as if a faint current of air was flowing through it.
"Hmm?" Qiao Tian was suspicious. "This cave has been sealed for many years, how come the air is so fresh and still circulating?" He extinguished his torch, stood quietly in the darkness, closed his eyes, concentrated, and fully activated his Nine Yang Divine Skill, bringing his five senses to their peak. Hearing... only the flow of his own blood and heartbeat. Smell... dust, rocks, and a very faint scent of grass and trees seeping from the depths of the cave. Touch... his cheek could detect a very weak but clearly directional stream of air!
He relit the torch and carefully examined the direction of the airflow. His gaze finally settled on a section of rock wall near the top of the main chamber. The stone there was a slightly different color from the surrounding area, and the fresh air was coming from there.
He took a deep breath, channeling his Nine Yang True Qi, and with a light touch of his toes, his body rose silently like an owl, soaring straight towards the cave ceiling. As he approached, he channeled his energy into his left hand and gently tapped his fingers.
"Empty, empty, empty..." The sound echoed through the hollow! Beyond it lay a hidden world! His mind raced, and he gathered true energy in his right palm, carefully pressing it against the rock wall. Surprisingly, it wasn't hard rock; instead, it possessed a slight resilience. With a slight exertion of force, a soft "whoosh" sounded, and a slab of stone, disguised almost indistinguishable from the surrounding rock wall, was pushed open, creating a crack! More fresh air instantly rushed in!
Qiao Tian was surprised and suspicious. He increased the pressure on his hands and slowly pushed the stone slab open completely. A deep cave entrance, barely wide enough for one to crawl through, appeared before him! There was a breeze inside the cave, carrying the unique, moist scent of mountain vegetation.
He hesitated for a moment, then probed the torch into the hole. Seeing that the flame was steady and that he was not at a dead end and had enough breath, he no longer hesitated. He took a deep breath, used his contortionist technique, and nimbly squeezed into the narrow opening.
Inside the cave was a natural rock crevice sloping upwards. After winding his way for more than ten zhang (approximately 33 meters), a faint light began to pierce through the darkness ahead. He quickened his pace and soon reached the end.
Pushing aside the hanging vines and weeds, Qiao Tian leaned out. A bright and clear view opened up before him!
He found himself on a natural platform perched precariously atop a sheer cliff! The platform was small, only a few meters square, with jagged rocks covered in a thin layer of soil, where a few shrubs and wild grasses grew tenaciously. On one side, a sea of clouds churned, revealing a bottomless abyss; on the other, a sheer cliff rose straight up. Looking up, he was still some distance from the summit, but the cliff was not smooth as a mirror; cracks and bulges appeared from time to time, and even a few ancient pines grew obliquely. For a skilled individual—or a nimble mountain monkey—it was not impossible to climb.
"So that's how it is!" Qiao Tian suddenly realized. This hidden ventilation hole not only solved the problem of air circulation within the cave, but also served as an excellent concealed exit and lookout point! Bodhidharma chose this place to meditate facing the wall back then, indeed, it was a place where profound secrets were hidden.
He stood at the edge of the platform, gazing into the distance. The layers of Shaoshi Mountain were outlined in dark ink in the night, and the lights of Shaolin Temple in the distance were as faint as stars. The faint sounds of chanting and bells further accentuated the serene atmosphere. A feeling of the vastness of the world, one's own insignificance, yet transcendence arose spontaneously within him.
A plan quickly took shape in his mind: perhaps drought-resistant wild vegetables could be introduced here, or even pheasants and rabbits could be raised in captivity, thus greatly increasing food supplies and extending the duration of his seclusion. And then there was the clever macaque "Little Black," who, having climbed up here, could perhaps become a bridge to maintain a connection with the outside world…
Having made up his mind, Qiao Tian returned to the cave and partially covered the stone slab to ensure proper ventilation without being easily detected from the outside.
Returning to the main stone chamber, he once again turned his gaze to the mysterious wall inscribed with profound martial arts principles. In the flickering firelight, the ancient characters and symbols seemed to radiate life. The meticulously compiled list of martial arts techniques surfaced in his mind:
*The Theory of Yin and Yang Mutual Aid*, *The Diagram of Marrow Cleansing Visualization*, *The Treatise on Strengthening Tendons and Bones*, *The Vajra Meditation Method*... *Initial Explanation of the Arhat Body*, *The Prototype of the Indestructible Body*, *The Essentials of Rebounding Qi*, *The Technique of Returning Qi and Blood to the Source*... *The Principles of Prajna Palm*, *The Meaning of Flower-Picking Finger Technique*, *The Essentials of Dragon Claw Hand Technique*, *The Formless Finger Technique*, *The Essentials of Maha Finger Technique*, *Initial Explanation of the Subduing Demon Staff Technique*, *The Meaning of the Breaking Precepts Knife*... *The True Meaning of Crossing the River on a Reed*, *The Dragonfly Skimming Water Technique*, *The Essentials of Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada*... *The Principles of Bodhidharma Sword*, *The Principles of the Kasaya Subduing Demon Technique*, *The Essentials of the Dragon-Capturing Technique*, *The Principles of the Lion's Roar*...
The twenty-two martial arts principles, like twenty-two stars, twinkled in the night sky of his consciousness. He couldn't bite off more than he could chew; he had to make choices.
"The most urgent task is still to break through the barrier of the Nine Yang Divine Skill." Qiao Tian muttered to himself, his gaze calm yet sharp. "The Yin-Yang Mutual Aid Theory is the foundation and must be thoroughly understood first. The Marrow Cleansing Visualization Diagram can strengthen the foundation and cultivate vitality, complementing the Nine Yang Divine Skill, and must be practiced simultaneously."
"The most practical methods of self-defense are the *Indestructible Body Prototype* and the *Qi and Blood Returning to the Source Technique*. One serves as a strong shield, the other as concealment; they are the foundation for survival and covert operations." "Offensive techniques… will be set aside for now. Internal energy and principles are the root, techniques and methods are secondary. Once the foundation is strong, every movement will possess power." "The art of lightness… the *True Meaning of Crossing the River on a Reed* contains supreme principles; it requires dedicated study." "As for the rest… it's not too late to verify them one by one when there's time in the future."