Chapter 41: The Qi of Movement and Stillness, Practical Training with Senior Sister Meng

As Xue Jing observed the [Visualization] skill on his panel, he felt a profound transformation within himself.

It was as if a dusty pearl in his mind had been polished, revealing a brilliance that illuminated mountains and rivers. His thoughts moved with lightning speed, free from any distractions.

"Is this… heightened wisdom? No, it feels more like an enhanced focus, a mind cleared of everything but what I choose to think about."

With newfound clarity, Xue Jing quickly analyzed his situation.

"[Visualization] likely boosts 'thought control,' 'emotional regulation,' and… 'imagination,'" he speculated.

He decided to test it out by visualizing a dragon. Instantly, his mind conjured an image of a dragon, complete with massive wings, four powerful legs, and five razor-sharp claws. Every detail, from the mane to the scales, felt strikingly real.

In the next moment, Xue Jing's consciousness melded with the dragon's form. He became the dragon, feeling its muscles ripple like waves and its scales shimmer under an unseen light.

Li Qi, watching from the training room, noticed the subtle yet powerful aura radiating from Xue Jing as he stood still.

"Just one session of visualization, and you've already cultivated 'Dragon Qi'?" Li Qi observed, impressed.

As Xue Jing emerged from his meditation, the dragon energy dissipated. He turned to Li Qi, his voice carrying a newfound depth and authority: "Master, what exactly is 'dragon energy'?"

Li Qi smiled gently. "Dragon spirit is a form of emotion."

"Humans are remarkable beings, deeply influenced by emotions. An angry person, for example, might strike with unexpected force. You've heard stories of extraordinary feats, like a grandmother lifting a car to save her grandson, right?"

"Murderous intent, fighting spirit, confidence, anger, greed, willpower—these are abstract, intangible forces that, when combined, form emotions capable of enhancing physical abilities."

Li Qi continued, "By practicing the Hibernating Dragon Technique and visualizing a dragon, you cultivate a 'dragon spirit,' a state of mind where you begin to see yourself as a dragon. When you strike, you harness this dragon spirit, unleashing the power of a true dragon."

Xue Jing's understanding deepened.

"In martial arts, we refer to these emotions as 'dynamic qi,' while the ability to control them is known as 'calm qi.'"

"If you lack fighting spirit, your punches will lack power. If you can't control your emotions, you'll be easily manipulated."

"Every skilled martial artist learns to cultivate stillness and harness dynamic energy, blending movement and stillness to achieve mastery."

Xue Jing nodded solemnly. "I understand, Master."

Li Qi looked pleased. "Most disciples, when they first develop dragon energy, become a bit wild, seeing themselves as dragons. This indicates a lack of inner tranquility."

"But you've remained unaffected by the dragon energy, showing a natural talent for maintaining calmness."

Hearing this, Xue Jing glanced at the [Visualization] skill on his panel.

This skill was truly remarkable.

It enhanced his imagination and thought control, key elements in mobilizing dynamic qi, while also strengthening his emotional regulation, thus improving calm qi.

After acquiring many physical talents, Xue Jing finally gained a skill that sharpened his mental awareness.

"Let's stop practicing the Hibernating Dragon Technique for today," Li Qi advised. "You've surpassed my expectations. It's time for you to explore 'fighting style.'"

Li Qi pulled out his phone, tapped it a few times, and then set it aside.

"Fighting style? How do I practice it?" Xue Jing asked, intrigued.

Li Qi chuckled. "Martial arts revolve around 'training, fighting, and killing.'"

"The Hibernating Dragon Technique nurtures dragon energy, and the Shaking Armor Technique builds dragon strength. It's too soon for you to learn killing techniques, but fighting methods are different. They depend solely on your understanding."

Xue Jing asked, "Self-realization?"

"Exactly. Your fighting style is your unique way of battling. It encompasses your habits, strategies, and instincts in combat, gradually forming a comprehensive system."

"The only way to refine your fighting style is through actual combat."

"Strike hard, strike often, and your fighting style will naturally emerge," Li Qi said with a smile.

As if on cue, the door to the training room opened, revealing a short-haired woman with a striking figure, cold expression, and clad in a black training suit.

She held a pancake in one hand, casually chewing as she walked. Her impressive figure made her training clothes cling tightly, accentuating her curves.

Xue Jing was momentarily stunned. "Senior Sister Meng…"

The fourth disciple of Canglong Dojo, Meng Qingjiao, stood before him. She was the daughter of the eldest senior brother, Meng Boshang, and possessed the most remarkable figure Xue Jing had ever seen, in both his lifetimes.

Meng Qingjiao remained silent, merely nodding as she walked up to Xue Jing and lightly touched his head with her free hand.

'Was this a gesture of affection?' Xue Jing wasn't sure, but he didn't resist.

"Qingjiao's control over her energy is unmatched among the disciples. Even her father, Boshang, doesn't compare," Li Qi remarked leisurely.

"She'll be your sparring partner as you develop your fighting style."

Xue Jing hesitated, his eyes drifting to Meng Qingjiao's formidable physique.

But he quickly pushed aside any distracting thoughts, took a deep breath, and respectfully bowed to her. "Please guide me, Senior Sister."

Meng Qingjiao remained silent, her expression cold. She finished her pancake, cheeks puffed out like a hamster, and swallowed. Then she placed one hand behind her back and made a 'please' gesture with the other, crumbs still on her lips.

Her tall, statuesque figure exuded an aura of mastery, profound and commanding. Yet, despite her imposing presence, her perfect form made her appearance almost mesmerizing.

Thankfully, Xue Jing's [Visualization] skill allowed him to quickly clear his mind of distractions. He focused his gaze and spoke.

"Prepare yourself, Senior Sister."

The moment the words left his mouth, Xue Jing launched himself at Meng Qingjiao like an arrow.

"Bang!"

A soft but powerful force struck his chest, sending him flying back and crashing onto the solid wooden floor.

"Your intentions are too obvious," Li Qi commented.

"Don't be swayed by Qingjiao's identity as a woman. In real combat, your focus must be solely on victory, no matter the methods. In martial arts, those who remain standing win; those who fall lose. The means don't matter."

"Use your brain, unleash your full strength, think only of winning, and forget everything else!"

Xue Jing nodded, flipped back onto his feet, and prepared for another attack. This time, he targeted any flaw he could find, without concern for sensitivities. But after just two moves, he was sent flying again.

Undeterred, he stood up and tried again.

He kept attacking, only to be repeatedly defeated.

Each time he hit the ground, Li Qi pointed out his mistakes. Xue Jing absorbed the knowledge like a sponge, gradually improving his technique.

It took Xue Jing an hour to go from being knocked down instantly to withstanding two moves, then ten.

After three hours, he could sustain twenty moves.

As night fell and the crescent moon rose, Xue Jing's strength waned. He took two steps before his legs gave out, and he collapsed.