God Of Immortals

Chapter 8: Heart Of A Cultivator [IV]

"Martial arts."

Zhang Li Qiang clasped his arms behind his body as he stood firmly on the ground. His unwavering gaze was fixed on his grandson who was standing before him bare-chested. A display of absolute seriousness on his face, knowing the massive effort and energy required by martial arts. As he continued to observe his grandson, Zhang Li Qiang contemplated the difficulties and obstacles Ju Feng would face to become a true martial artist.

The dao of the martial arts included certain ways which showed the principles of martial arts as ways of life for all artists. Total tranquillity, and control of the inner aggression and fear, in order to become a true martial artist. The main reason why the dao principles of martial arts placed greater importance on complete tranquillity and total control of the inner self.

Emotions and reactions were major problems facing a martial artist. The reason why martial arts had been regarded as a mental sparring competition with the inner opponent. Once a martial artist was able to control the emotions and reactions in a rational way during combat, the attacks would be much more easier to face.

"These are guides you must follow when you are preparing for a combat, and during a combat. They have been arranged in a way that will make it much more easier for you to learn. Ju Feng, you must know one important thing about martial arts. Although all these arrangements made it easier, martial arts still demand complete control and focus."

Zhang Li Qiang observed the state of his grandson keenly before nodding his head in approval. Ju Feng was showing a good frame of mind as a learner which made Zhang Li Qiang joyful of his grandson's future..

"In combat, the principles of martial arts will let you know how to take full advantage of any situation when it's necessary. And they will also help you to avoid inflicting harm on yourself and others when practicing."

Zhang Li Qiang raised up three fingers as he glanced at his grandson.

"There are three dao principles of martial arts. Any martial artist who has not trained in all of these three principles is not considered a complete or true martial artist."

With his raised fingers, Zhang Li Qiang indicated the numbers, one after the other.

"They are spiritual principle, mental principle and physical principle. Although they are divided into different basic forms, they must be learned together. Ju Feng, for you to be a true martial artist, your body must learn the physicality while your soul must learn the spirituality of it, and your mind will learn the mental aspect of it. The essence of martial arts must flow freely inside you without your consciousness of it. A true heart of martial art is a true heart of dao. And that's the level I want you to reach, Ju Feng."

Zhang Li Qiang who was walking towards one side of the training ground, suddenly turned around sharply. His face protruding absolute seriousness again.

"Now, back to the basics!"

His gaze lingered on his grandson who was readjusting himself to stand firmer and be more focused.

"The basics are the beginning steps and very important part of any martial art training. You cannot progress to the advanced stages without them. They will enhance your upper and lower body, and your core strength. In turn, these enhancement will help you to improve your punching power, kicking power and stances."

Zhang Li Qiang walked up to his grandson and put a hand on his shoulder. He watched him in silence before letting out a soft easy breath. He knew the moment a child was born in a world of cultivation, a heavy load was already placed on the young shoulders. He would try his best to make the load bearable for his grandson.

"You will start with the basics."

Ju Feng nodded vigorously, his focused eyes on his grandfather who looked at him with an easy smile displayed on his face.

"You have great strength in your body, Ju Feng. We will start by gradually bringing out your true strength. You will be using the general True-World technique. And today, we will focus on your upper body strength training and parts of your lower body. Let's start."

Zhang Li Qiang taught his grandson the True-World technique which made use of the bodyweight. He started his grandson on his body mass as the source of the weight, before gradually increasing the weight by adding external masses of stones to his body weight.

"This will strengthen the muscles in your chest, shoulders, back, arms and legs."

Ju Feng continued the training of his body strength without resting. His strength level was unbelievable for such a young age. Twice, his grandfather added more stone mass that had far surpassed Ju Feng's age level, but he kept on practicing the technique without stopping. Despite his exhausted body which was making his legs and hands shook uncontrollably, Ju Feng continued with his training.

"His strength is rather high for his age. So much strength. By the time..."

Zhang Li Qiang trailed off smiling as he nodded his head in acknowledgement. He knew his grandson was already at his limit, and was only enduring so as not to disappoint his grandfather. If only his grandson could realise what he was already achieving at such a young age. All their past efforts were coming to fruition. Indeed it had been costly and time consuming, but worth every bit of it.

Zhang Li Qiang raised his hand to stop his grandson who had been training for several hours, and gave him his first ever blood-root medicinal pill as a reward. The blood-root pill was a lower-grade medicinal pill, generally common in the world of Lorra. Since Ju Feng hadn't started sensing and gathering Chi, any form of higher pills could have an adverse effect on his energy depleted body.

As soon as Ju Feng consumed the blood-root medicinal pill, soothing energy flowed through his body, replenishing and strengthening it in great measures. He suddenly felt like he could carry the whole world on his head after his exhausted body had been fully restored.

"Grandpa! My body! I don't feel tired anymore!"

"Hmm. But I tell you this, Ju Feng. If you continue to train harder, you won't be needing a low-grade medicinal pills to restore your strength anymore. Your body will be strong enough to withstand these minor fatigues and recover on its own. Let's continue your training for a bit more time before we call it a day."