The mountain wind carried fine rain into the pavilion, bringing a refreshing coolness.
The pines and cypresses outside swayed gently in the wind and rain, making a rustling sound, as if they were accompanying this secluded conversation.
"Martial arts have never been merely a technique for killing but a path towards ’self-awareness.’"
Shi Chengyi’s voice echoed in the pavilion, clear and steady.
"Technology can give people stronger weapons, drugs can modify stronger bodies, and superpowers are heaven’s bestowed authority."
"But these are all external. After relying on external things for too long, people will become lost, dependent, and forget who they truly are."
He said as he stepped forward, reached out, and tapped the rain-polished green stone railing, making a clear "pa" sound.
"The human body is like a vessel, and external things are the water contained inside."
"Technology and superpowers constantly fill the vessel with water but never consider strengthening the vessel itself."
"But the vessel, whether in capacity or material, ultimately has its limits. Once it can no longer bear the rushing force, the result is shattered vessels and spilled water—everything turns into emptiness."
This metaphor, though simple, pointed directly to the core, stirring Fang Cheng’s thoughts.
He looked down at his palm and felt the blazing energy within him like the sun, then asked:
"So, martial artists hone their bodies and cultivate True Qi not fundamentally to enhance their methods of killing enemies but to constantly reinforce their bodies as ’vessels’ to achieve an elevation in the level of life?"
"Good question." Thıs content belongs to novelFɪre.net
Shi Chengyi’s eyes flashed with a hint of approval, nodding:
"We martial artists do focus on this ’vessel’ itself. Honing the body, practicing stance and boxing, is to ’know thyself,’ to understand the opening and limits of every inch of muscle and bone, and the circulation and flow of every drop of blood."
"But this is just the first step, the foundation. More importantly, it’s about ’knowing thy mind.’
He extended a finger and tapped his chest.
Then he looked at Fang Cheng, his eyes burning brightly, as if they could penetrate the human heart.
"During the monotonous hard training, examine your laziness and timidity; in fierce battles, face your fear and anger."
"The Taoists say ’reach ultimate emptiness and maintain unwavering tranquility,’ while Buddhism speaks of ’clarifying the mind and seeing your nature without seeking externally.’"
"The process of learning martial arts is like forging a world-class weapon, using sweat as smelting liquid and willpower as a hammer to peel away all acquired impurities, leaving only your innate, pure ’True Self.’
Seeing Fang Cheng deep in thought, Shi Chengyi continued:
"Martial arts often speak of ’using intent to guide Qi, using Qi to move the body.’
"This ’intent’ is the key; it originates from your ’True Self,’ and for us, it can also be called ’Martial Intent.’"
"A martial artist without a strong will, no matter how intricate the boxing, is just an empty framework, a rootless tree."
"So we visualize the inner scenery to gather this ’Martial Intent,’ transforming the ethereal spirit into perceivable power."
"Ultimately, when your ’True Self’ is pure and strong enough, you can achieve the realm of ’acting as your heart desires without exceeding the bounds.’
Shi Chengyi’s tone became leisurely, as if he were describing a beautiful and magnificent painting.
"That is complete control over your life, an indisputable self-sufficiency without seeking externally."
"By then, every gesture aligns with the supreme principles of nature, and with every thought, you can invoke Invisible Power."
"No matter how advanced external technology becomes, no matter how bizarre superpowers are, in front of you, they’re nothing more than a mirage, because you are the only reality."
He paced two steps, looking out at the mist-covered mountain landscape, his aura expanding and reaching high.
"The breakthroughs in technology give humanity the chance to explore the infinite universe in the limited span of life."
"But if we only rely on cold machines, our spirit can never touch the true essence of the universe."
"The ultimate goal of martial arts is to replace the heart of heaven with our heart, using the minuteness of individual life to comprehend the vastness of the universe and all beings, finally achieving an elevation of life’s level."
"This is the true essence of martial arts, another pathway to eternity."
Rain fell silently from the leaden sky, soaking every inch of West Mountain Cemetery.
In the distance, the mountains undulated in the rain and mist, resembling a sleeping ink dragon.
The nearby tombstones remained silent, as if listening to this conversation about the true meaning of life.
Following Shi Chengyi’s gaze, Fang Cheng also looked towards the cloud-covered horizon.
Just now, this almost philosophical discourse on martial arts struck him like a bolt of lightning.
He had personally witnessed the mad transformations of Shijima Gorou and other experimental bodies, seen the powerful yet out-of-control forces of mutants.
He had also experienced the teachings of his mentors at the Martial Arts Research Association and his daily practice of True Qi and meditation...
Countless scattered images and insights seemed to be completely threaded by a golden thread at this moment, ultimately forming a complete system.
The sound of the rain appeared particularly clear at this moment, with each raindrop hitting the edge of the pavilion, seemingly echoing the words spoken inside.
Shi Chengyi spoke, his tone shifting, carrying a hint of obvious regret and critique:
"Many people in the team have forgotten this point, or rather, they simply don’t believe it."
"They’re obsessed with gene optimization, enthusiastic about human experiments, thinking that they can mass-produce strong individuals with drugs and surgery."