Chapter 42
"I am going to teach you a set of martial arts that I stumbled upon in my youth. It is easy to learn but difficult to master. Getting started isn't too hard. Let me demonstrate it once, and you should watch closely."
After speaking, the old doctor assumed a stance and began performing the set of punches he practiced every morning.
Lu Qing watched intently.
As soon as the old doctor executed the first move, a prompt appeared in Lu Qing's vision.
*[Martial art detected. Would you like to simulate it?]*
Staring at his master's movements, Lu Qing silently chose to simulate.
*[Simulation started. Current progress: 1%, 2%, 3%...]*
With each move the old doctor performed, the progress bar in Lu Qing's vision rapidly advanced.
*[97%, 98%, 99%, 100%]*
Finally, when the old doctor completed the last move and began to close his stance, the progress bar in Lu Qing's vision reached one hundred percent.[Simulation successful.]
[Martial art name: Health Nourishing Boxing.]
[Origin: Derived and perfected by Chen Songqing from an incomplete martial art he stumbled upon in his youth.]
[Effect: Strengthens the body and improves health. It is particularly effective in regulating qi and blood, and fortifying muscles and bones. Mastery may lead to the possibility of breaking through to the internal organ realm.]
[Would you like to start practicing?]
Lu Qing didn't choose to practice immediately.
Instead, he was intrigued by some of the information.
It turned out that this martial art was created by his master, who had deduced and perfected it from an incomplete technique he encountered in his youth.
The ability to deduce and perfect a martial art on his own—his master's skill was impressive enough to be considered a martial arts genius in the martial world.
It seemed his master's abilities were even more formidable than he had imagined.
Lu Qing couldn't help but feel a deep sense of respect.
"How was it, Lu Qing? Did you understand the moves I just demonstrated?" the old doctor asked with a smile after finishing his routine.
"Not really," Lu Qing replied honestly.
He was telling the truth.
Without relying on his special ability, he truly couldn't grasp the martial art the old doctor demonstrated.
Apart from sensing a unique rhythm, everything else was a blur.
"Haha, it's normal not to understand," the old doctor laughed heartily. "What I just showed you was just the form of this martial art. The truly important aspects—the methods for circulating qi and blood, and tempering muscles and bones—I haven't taught you yet."
"Come, let me now teach you the method for circulating qi and blood in this martial art."
The old doctor then began to explain each move in detail to Lu Qing.
How to regulate breathing, how to circulate qi and blood, how to focus on the dantian...
Every essential point of practicing the martial art was explained in great detail.
This lecture lasted for two hours.
"That's enough for today."
When he finished explaining the ninth move and saw that Lu Qing could imitate the form reasonably well, the old doctor said.
"This set of punches consists of thirty-six moves. The main effect of the first nine is to invigorate qi and blood and regulate breathing."
"In the coming days, as long as you practice diligently, when you truly master them, you will formally enter the qi and blood realm."
"As for the later moves, your current physical condition can't handle them yet, so you don't need to practice those for now."
"Master, you mean that once I master these nine moves, I will become as strong and powerful as the martial artists you mentioned?" Lu Qing asked excitedly.
"That's right. Once you enter the qi and blood realm, you will naturally be like them," the old doctor nodded.
He then cautioned, "However, remember not to overdo it. Practicing martial arts requires moderation. Do not be impatient or strive for quick success, as it could harm your body instead."
"I understand," Lu Qing nodded seriously.
"Also, practicing martial arts is very energy-consuming, so you need to keep up with your nutrition. Don't save the money you earned from selling the Red Moon Carp. Buy more meat to eat regularly, so you don't deplete your body while replenishing qi and blood."
"I understand," Lu Qing nodded again.
He had already retrieved the money from his master after selling the Red Moon Carp and hid it in a secret place at home.
Now it seemed it was time to use that money.
"It's a pity that I still lack a few herbs. If I had all the necessary ingredients, I could prepare some qi and blood nourishing soup for you, which would greatly shorten the time for you to enter the qi and blood realm," the old doctor said with some regret.
"No need, Master. You have already helped me so much. I haven't repaid even a fraction of it yet. How could I trouble you further?" Lu Qing said hastily.
"Alright then. If I have the chance to go up the mountain someday, I'll see if I can find those herbs," the old doctor said.
Seeing that his master had not given up, Lu Qing was deeply moved.
He didn't know what to say and could only silently remember this kindness in his heart.
"That's it for today. When you go back, don't forget to practice. Come back tomorrow, and I will check your progress," the old doctor said.
After chatting for a while longer, the old doctor waved him off.
"Master, why don't I stay here to take care of you?" Lu Qing hesitated and asked.
"No need. My body is still strong. I don't need anyone to take care of me yet. Besides, this place is filled with medicinal herbs, and there isn't space for you and Xiao Yan to stay. You should go back home," the old doctor refused without hesitation.
"Then I will take my leave and come back tomorrow to greet you," Lu Qing said.
Seeing the old doctor insist, Lu Qing could only comply.
He picked up the drowsy Xiao Yan and prepared to leave the mountain.
"Wait a moment."
Just as they were about to descend, the old doctor suddenly came out from the courtyard and handed Lu Qing a book.
"You have already familiarized yourself with the 'Compendium of Materia Medica.' Now read this 'Acupuncture Points Theory.' Memorize the acupuncture points; I will test you later."
Holding the book and carrying Xiao Yan, Lu Qing descended the mountain, his expression still somewhat dazed.
He initially thought that after becoming the old doctor's disciple, he and Xiao Yan would live in the Halfway House.
After all, as a disciple, taking care of the master and handling daily chores was a given.
But the old doctor seemed to have no such intention, instead letting him continue living at home in the village.
Although this was also beneficial for Lu Qing, it felt a bit strange to him.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Lu Qing carried the sleeping Xiao Yan and headed home.
Upon returning home, the first thing he did was take some money and find Uncle Zhang.
Ignoring Uncle Zhang's refusal, he replenished the money for the apprenticeship gifts prepared by the villagers.
After all, now that he wasn't short of money, how could he let the already not-so-wealthy villagers bear the cost of his apprenticeship gifts?
After giving the money to Uncle Zhang, Lu Qing returned to his courtyard and prepared to practice the martial art.
This time, he intended to use his special ability for the training.
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