Chapter 39: The Legend of the Ancient Supreme Body

This chapter is a bit weird, I must admit. 

...

"What is a 'treasure body'?" Xue Jing asked curiously.

Chen Fuguang explained, "The term 'treasure body' refers to the idea of training one's body into a 'treasure.'"

His voice was melodious as he recited, "In ancient times, there was a poem that described it:

'The flesh is like a dragon and the tendons are like iron, the skin is like glass and the bones are like jade.

The blood is like molten lava and burns red gold, the most complete and wonderful true treasure body.'"

"This poem refers to the legendary 'five realms of the treasure body.'

'The flesh is like a dragon and the tendons are like iron,' 'the skin is like glass,' 'the bones are jade and cannot be melted,' and 'the blood is like gold.'"

"These five realms represent the supreme human body as imagined by ancient warriors."

Xue Jing was fascinated by these realms and asked eagerly, "What are the specific manifestations of these five realms?"

Chen Fuguang, pleased by Xue Jing's interest, smiled proudly and continued:

"The 'flesh dwelling in dragons and elephants' means that the muscles are like dragons and elephants. Water creatures possess the greatest dragon power, and land creatures have the strongest elephant power. These two are the strongest creatures in legend, so it's understandable that the flesh dwells in dragons and elephants." (TN - There is no better way I could find to better translate this part)

"In ancient times, there was a saying that praised this realm: 'Why thus thou want to shake this divine land? Is it because thine possess the ability to cultivate the flesh on thine own inner dragon and elephant.'" Chen Fuguang gestured animatedly as he spoke.

"Secondly, 'The Tendons are like iron' suggests that one's tendons provide the foundational strength, much like the roots of a tree. Muscles and tendons are closely interconnected: muscles are the outward expression of strength, while tendons are the core substance that provides stability and support. When tendons are as strong and resilient as iron tree roots, they support and enhance the body's potential, allowing it to achieve its maximum power and endurance."

"There is a saying: 'The limitless power of the gods can effortlessly move mountains, just as the iron tree's roots can entwine around its own tendons.'"

Chen Fuguang knew the proverbs by heart and spoke like a professional storyteller.

"Third, 'skin clear as glass' doesn't mean the skin appears like glass, but rather its nature is flawless and impermeable like glass. Once cultivated, the body has no weak spots, locking in blood and spirit, reducing consumption to the extreme, and withstanding pressure like diamonds, impervious to weapons."

"There's a saying: 'Perfect things in the world are rare since ancient times, and flawless, glass skin is just one of them.'"

"Fourth, 'Bones turn into jade' refers to the transformation of bones into a substance as strong and enduring as immortal jade. These refined bones have exceptional blood-forming capabilities, ensuring an endless supply of blood, qi, and essence. With this transformation, the body becomes impervious to harm from ordinary means. Additionally, using these jade-like bones in martial arts significantly enhances one's combat power, making them far more effective than ordinary bones."

"There's a saying: 'Thousands of years of corroding world winds cannot blow away a pair of bones.'"

Xue Jing quipped, "Why doesn't it rhyme when it comes to bones?"

Chen Fuguang waved dismissively, "Why rhyme? Just being impressive is enough."

"Don't interrupt; let me finish."

Chen Fuguang recomposed himself, a trace of melancholy in his eyes:

"Fifth, 'Blood dripping melts gold,' is considered by ancient warriors as the most challenging of the five realms. It means that when the body moves, the blood within boils like volcanic magma, with the power to melt pure gold. Blood is the source of human strength, and the force unleashed by such potent blood would be immense, imagine what would happen with such power released!"

"There is also a saying: 'Real gold may withstand the refining of the mysterious fire, but it cannot endure the warrior's melting gold blood!'"

(TN - I must say none of those rhymed, but if you read carefully you could see what it meant, translating these few lines was hard)

Xue Jing remarked in surprise, "It sounds less like a realm and more like a myth."

Chen Fuguang's face darkened at this.

The enthusiastic atmosphere abruptly ended.

"Yes, it's just a myth."

"No one can actually achieve it."

Chen Fuguang sighed.

Master Li Qi had once described this supreme pursuit with high spirits, only to sigh in boredom afterward.

Reaching such a realm, if possible, offers what?

Times have changed...

Geniuses can be artificially created, with a few injections and scientific training methods rapidly increasing strength, not to mention "xenoplants."

Ten years of martial arts can't match such an operation. 

Even reaching the fifth level of the Treasure Body leaves it uncertain whether one could surpass modern technological advancements.

The old martial arts road has long ended...

Chen Fuguang's face was filled with melancholy, and he stopped speaking. Xue Jing sensed this and remained silent.

He was different from Chen Fuguang; he had the world's greatest anomaly.

What others deemed impossible might not be for him.

The five levels of the Treasure Body...

Perhaps he could try becoming a "martial arts legend."

"Alright, junior brother, you keep practicing. I have work to do, so I'll take my leave," Chen Fuguang said, patting Xue Jing on the shoulder with a smile.

Xue Jing nodded, "Take care, Brother Chen."

---

Two days later, in the Hidden Dragon Dojo's training room.

Xue Jing stopped practicing the Hibernating Dragon Technique, standing on the solid wood floor as he calmed his breath.

A large pool of sweat lay at his feet, enough to make one wonder how a human body could hold so much water.

[You performed the Hibernating Dragon Technique, Fitness experience +208]

[You performed the Hibernating Dragon Technique, Strength experience +201]

[Fitness increased to Lv5 (59/2000)]

[Strength increased to Lv3 (198/800)]

Xue Jing's body crackled with a series of crisp sounds, and his overall physical quality suddenly improved, comprehensively strengthening.

He flexed his hand, and his strength surged with his breathing. A patch of skin on his arm bulged as if a mouse were running under it.

He moved his fingers, and the "mouse" moved to his index finger. Xue Jing made a finger-snapping gesture, and snap!

Just the snap of his fingers created a powerful explosion!

"Good! Your strength can penetrate your fingertips. I didn't expect that besides your excellent physical talent, you're also so gifted in strength!" 

Li Qi, sitting in a wheelchair nearby, clapped his hands with a smile.

Looking at the disciple before him, Li Qi's eyes shone with satisfaction, his bald head glistening in the light.

Xue Jing's face showed satisfaction as he smiled and said, "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master."

Li Qi hummed and said, "Your progress is astonishing, far beyond my expectations. You can try the next step ahead of schedule."

Xue Jing asked, puzzled, "The next step? Do you mean the Shaking Armor Technique?"

Li Qi shook his head, "No, I mean the visualization method."

"The Hibernation Dragon Technique is meant to 'nourish the dragon energy.' where do you think this dragon energy comes from? It comes from the heart!"

"You must raise a dragon in your heart."

...

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